Implementation of the School Street Scheme at Francis Baily Primary School (Academy)
Introduction and implementation
The School Streets initiative at Francis Baily school was introduced in September 2023 (following on from the success of the Calcot School Street initiative), to make the journey to school safer and more enjoyable for our children. By limiting vehicle access during peak school hours, the initiative aims to create a safer and more pleasant environment, encouraging our kids to walk or cycle to school.
Phases and enforcement
The project was rolled out in two phases, starting in September 2023 under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETR0), a six-week public consultation followed. Initially, the scheme required drivers to self-regulate by observing the signage, but many drivers ignored the restrictions. The consultation has concluded the scheme will be made permanent but the enforcement of the restriction using an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera, will be introduced to improve compliance within the restriction.
Positive results
Since the introduction of the speed indication devices (SID) along the A4 Bath Road, it has been reported that vehicles have reduced their speed and been more considerate during the main drop-off and pick-up times (08.30 to 08.45 and 15.15 to 15.30), making school journey much safer. You can see in the table below that during from Monday, 6 November to Friday, 10 November, the percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit during the time the scheme was active, is greatly reduced.
| % of vehicles travelling faster than the 30mph speed limit | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Monday, 6 Nov. | Tuesday, 7 Nov. | Wednesday 8 Nov. | Thursday 9 Nov. | Friday, 3 Nov. |
| Morning | |||||
| 08:00 | 0 | 4.5 | 0 | 4.9 | 7.3 |
| 08:15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6.7 |
| 08:30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 08:45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 09:00 | 5.3 | 2.1 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| 09:15 | 0 | 4.9 | 0 | 5.6 | 2.5 |
| 09:30 | 0 | 2.4 | 6.6 | 2.9 | 0 |
| Afternoon | |||||
| 14:30 | 2.6 | 6.5 | 4.8 | Device offline | 0 |
| 14:45 | 0 | 6.7 | 8.6 | Device offline | 0 |
| 15:00 | 0 | 2.4 | 2.9 | Device offline | 2.9 |
| 15:15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Device offline | 0 |
| 15:30 | 0 | 0 | 2.2 | Device offline | 0 |
| 15:45 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Device offline | 0 |
| 16:00 | 5.3 | 2.4 | 0 | Device offline | 1.9 |
Education and penalties
The restricted area will be enforced by use of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), the date for installation has not yet been confirmed. Our School Streets Awareness Course is available for anyone to complete, which explains the importance of the initiative.
Supporting measures
As part of the school streets programme the scheme is bolstered by several measures:
- bikeability cycle training and push-scooter training to encourage safe cycling and scooting
- increased cycle and scooter storage at the school
- park-and-stride schemes at Dunstan Green Park and Old Blue Coats school to promote safe walking routes
- pedestrian crossing adjustments, priority timings to co-inside with the School Street scheme
- A4 Bath Road, speed data monitoring
- pedestrian railings and parking restriction reviews on nearby roads to improve safety and traffic flow
Who do I contact to find out about School Streets?
If you have any questions about School Streets, you can contact us by email at activetravel@westberks.gov.uk, in writing to the Transport and Road Safety Team or by phone on 01635 519080.
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