School Streets guidance
Contents
General information and guidance
What is a School Street and objectives
Feasibility assessment for primary schools in Reading
Feasibility assessment for secondary schools in Reading
School Street applications
Terms and conditions for applications
Sample letter for affected properties
What is a School Street and objectives
An organised School Street closes the road outside the School from traffic for up to 45 minutes, twice a day, during School term time only. Any vehicles already parked in the road can stay or leave throughout the duration of the School Street. Only eligible vehicles can gain access to the road during the School Street closure (eligible vehicles are listed under the Guidance for Marshals and Vehicles sections).
School Streets give children the chance to walk, cycle or scoot to School safely in the street outside the School without danger from traffic. Closing streets outside Schools to traffic at drop-off and pick up times can help lower congestion, improve air quality, improve safety of streets as well as benefits to children’s/parents/carers mental and physical health. This initiative also helps support social distancing measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
School Streets process
- School contacts Transport Planning team to make aware of plans for School Street
- School undertakes consultation with local community and any affected groups (3-week period)
- Application form and consultation results submitted to Transport Planning team
- Officer review of application and supporting evidence. Traffic Management Plan prepared. Recommendation made to Committee
- Approval of application from Council’s Committee
- Traffic Regulation Order sealed and School Street commences
Feasibility Assessment for Primary Schools in Reading
A high-level feasibility assessment has been undertaken to establish which Schools will be most appropriate for a School Street. Please note ALL Schools are eligible to apply for a School Street, a final decision will be taken by the Council’s Committee.
- High – meets all mandatory requirements for School Streets / benefits are high
- Medium – meets some mandatory requirements for school streets / benefits are medium
- Low – does not meet mandatory requirements / benefits are low
| Primary School | School Street assessment | Road closure feasibility | Traffic impact feasibility | Community impact feasibility | Existing air quality issues | Existing road safety issues | Barriers to active travel | School clusters | Engagement with complementary initiatives | Overall assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey Junior School | Vicarage Road | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Alfred Sutton Primary | Crescent Road | Medium | Low | High | Medium | High | Medium | High | High | Medium |
| All Saints Infant School | Brownlow Road | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Battle Primary Academy | Kensington Road | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Caversham Park Primary School | Queensway | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | High | High |
| Caversham Primary School | Hemdean Road | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Christ the King | Lulworth Close | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
| Churchend Primary Academy | Usk Road | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Civitas Academy | Great Knollys Street | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
| Coley Primary School | Wolseley Street | High | Medium | High | High | Medium | High | Medium | High | High |
| Emmer Green Primary School | Grove Road | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | Low |
| English Martyrs Primary School | Dee Road | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| EP Collier Primary School | Swansea Road | High | Medium | High | High | Medium | High | Low | Medium | High |
| Geoffrey Field Junior School | Exbourne Road | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | High |
| Hemdean House Primary School | Hemdean Road | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Katesgrove Primary School | Dorothy Street | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Low | Medium |
| Manor Primary School | Ashampstead Road | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Meadow Park Academy | Pottery Road | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | High |
| Micklands Primary School | Micklands Road | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | High |
| Moorlands Primary School | Church End Lane | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | High | Low |
| New Christ Church Primary School | Milman Road | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| New Town Primary School | School Terrace | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | High |
| Oxford Road Community School | George Street | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low | Medium | High |
| Palmer Primary Academy | Northumberland Avenue | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Park Lane Primary School (infants) | School Road | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | High | Low |
| Park Lane Primary School (juniors) | Exbourne Road | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | Low | High | Medium |
| Ranikhet Academy | Eddlestone Way | High | Medium | High | High | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
| Redlands Primary School | Blenheim Gardens | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | High | High |
| Southcote Primary School | Silchester Road | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | High | High |
| St Anne’s Catholic Primary School | Washington Road | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
| St John’s C of E Primary School | Orts Road | High | Medium | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| St Martin’s Catholic Primary School | Pendennis Avenue | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| St Mary’s and All Saints Primary School | Wensley Road | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
| St Michael’s Primary School | Dee Road | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Thameside Primary School | Harley Road | High | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium | High |
| The Heights Primary School | Falkland Road | High | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | Low | Low | High | Medium |
| The Heights Primary School (new site) | Mapledurham Playing Fields access | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | High | Low |
| The Hill Primary School | Peppard Road | High | Medium | High | Medium | High | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| The Ridgeway Primary School | Laburnham Gardens | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Whitley Park Primary School | Brixham Road | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | High | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Wilson Primary School | Wilson Road | High | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | High | Low | High | High |
Feasibility Assessment for Secondary Schools in Reading
A high-level feasibility assessment has been undertaken to establish which Schools will be most appropriate for a School Street. Please note ALL Schools are eligible to apply for a School Street, a final decision will be taken by the Council’s Committee.
- High – meets all mandatory requirements for School Streets / benefits are high
- Medium – meets some mandatory requirements for school streets / benefits are medium
- Low – does not meet mandatory requirements / benefits are low
| Secondary School | School Street assessment | Road closure feasibility | Traffic impact feasibility | Community impact feasibility | Existing air quality issues | Existing road safety issues | Existing barriers to active travel | School clusters | Engagement with complementary initiatives | Overall assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTC Reading | Crescent Road | Medium | Low | High | Medium | High | Medium | High | High | Medium |
| Maiden Erleigh School in Reading | Crescent Road | Medium | Low | High | Medium | High | Medium | High | High | Medium |
| Reading College | Kings Road | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Reading School | Erleigh Road/Craven Road | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Kendrick School | London Road | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| John Madejski Academy | Northumberland Avenue /Hartland | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
| Reading Girls | Northumberland Avenue | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Low |
| The Wren | Bath Road | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
| Blessed Hugh Faringdon | Aldworth Close/Fawley Road | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Prospect School | Cockney Hill | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Highdown School | Surley Row | High | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High |
Guidance on consultation
As part of the School Street application process Schools must consult with affected properties living on the street(s) that is proposed for closure. Residents/businesses located in close proximity to the proposed School Street area, that may be affected by the proposal, should also be made aware of the proposal and any responses received by the School should be submitted as part of the application. Here is a sample letter to send to affected properties.
Parents/carers of children attending the School should also be made aware of the proposal and any responses received by the School should be submitted as part of the application.
Methods of communicating with the local community may for example include posters, banners, leaflets and communications through social media platforms.
It is important that affected properties and the wider community have an opportunity to comment on the proposal. We recommend a three-week consultation period as part of the application process undertaken by the School to ensure everybody can have their say.
To support the proposal, Schools must identify potential park and stride sites within a 5/10 minute walking distance, and actively participate in the national sustainable travel initiative, Modeshift STARS. We recommend that Schools also consider other measures such as walking bus, cycle and scooter parking at the School and Bikeability – cycle training.
All consultation responses must be recorded on the ‘School Streets Consultation Responses Form’.
Online consultation pages can be set up by the Council on request.
Hard copy consultation materials (posters, leaflets and banners) are available from the Council where possible. Electronic posters and leaflets are available on the School Streets webpage.
Schools must continue to engage with affected properties throughout the School Street trial to ensure views and specific circumstances are considered before a permanent scheme is implemented.
Guidance for marshals
Marshals must set-up/set-down the closure point in line with the timings of the closure periods, as specified in the Traffic Regulation Order.
Signage and cones should be set up in accordance with plans/details provided by the Council.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn by Marshals at all times. Long sleeved Hi-Vis jackets will be provided by the Council. A whistle/hand signals may be used to gain attention if needed.
Each closure point must be staffed by at least 1 Marshal, at all times throughout the closure period.
Marshals should allow vehicles displaying notices/logos (arranged by the School) to enter the School Street without the need to stop vehicles.
Marshals are expected to stop any vehicle that wishes to enter the School Street, such as displaying a permit (provided by the School), inform them that they are entering a School Street and request they drive with caution.
Marshals must inform drivers that are not eligible to enter the School Street, that they are unable to enter at this time.
Marshals must allow vehicles to leave the School Street when required.
Marshals must have undergone training on road safety, conflict management and must fully understand the duties of the role.
Marshals should ensure the School Street is clear when vehicles enter the School Street.
Guidance for vehicles
Eligible vehicles include, residents living on the School Street, visitors to residents’ properties (including carers), business owners and customers, as well as Emergency Services, Blue Badge holders, taxis, statutory public services such as gas/electricity companies, refuse collectors, postal service providers, such as the Royal Mail, buses and school transport, breakdown and recovery vehicles, and any vehicle with special arrangements made by the School.
Vehicles that regularly require access to the School Street, such as residents, business, and regular customers should display permits/notices in their vehicle, if issued by the School.
Drivers must travel slowly with due care and attention at all times when within the School Street.
Drivers must adhere to the directions given by the School Street Marshal.
Vehicles that are required to travel through the extent of the School Street are not permitted, except Emergency Services.
Terms and Conditions for School Street Applications
- Please make sure you give all information requested on the form. To prevent delays please enclose a copy of your resident consultation letter and a list of supporters/opposers with your application. Please note the application has to be made by the School – applicant(s) must sign the application form in the appropriate places.
- We will provide support to Schools in developing School Street proposals, however in some circumstances it may not be feasible to implement a School Street in the desired location. Details of our initial assessment of the feasibility of implementing a School Streets scheme for each School are set out on pages 5 and 6, however we would welcome proposals from any School in Reading.
- The School Street scheme will be operated and managed by the School but Reading Borough Council reserve the right to suspend any Order made under this application if the scheme is not properly managed. The following examples detail reasons where this may apply:
- Damage to the highway or street furniture or other loss/damage suffered by the Council and of any claims made against it as a result of failure to manage the School Streets scheme effectively.
- We strongly recommend that you ensure your Public Liability Insurance will cover the School Streets scheme for the duration of your road closure(s). Including the Marshals appointed manage the scheme.
- Any Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) or other statutory provision which is currently in force on the road(s) to be closed will remain in force for the entirety of its duration during the closure unless specified to the contrary on the Legal Order.
- No closure may be of more than 45 minutes twice a day and only on weekdays and term times. If Schools have staggered start/ finish times, the closure period should cover prior to the first start and after the last start time (covering the entire period without breaks).
- An Order is made entirely for the purposes of School Streets and may not involve the placement of any structure on the highway during its use without prior consent from the Highway Authority.
- No activity requiring any form of license (under the Licensing Act 2003) may be undertaken when this Order is in force.
- Vehicular access and egress for residents/businesses within the core School Street area must be maintained during any closure period.
- On-street parking cannot be refused or restricted other than through an existing Traffic Regulation Order. The road(s) may only be closed on the days and times specified within the Legal Order.
- School Street closures must only be supervised by appointed individual by the School for this purpose known as Marshal (an adult over the age of 18) they are required to undergo bespoke training to ensure they are fully aware of the role and responsibilities.
- Each closure point must be staffed by a Marshal at all times during the closure period.
- Any barriers erected during the closures must be removable if access for emergency services or eligible vehicles as detailed on page 9, require entry.
- The road(s) may only be closed on the days and times specified within the Order.
- Permit style schemes (arranged by the School) may be adopted to ensure vehicles who regularly require access to the School Street, such as residents, business, and regular customers are given permits/notices to display in their vehicle.
- We reserve the right to suspend or amend any such Order if the closures are not implemented in accordance with these requirements or the activities are not managed in a safe manner.
- Please note that approval to proceed with a School Streets scheme will need to be given by the Council’s Committee following an application from the School.
Last updated on 23/12/2021
School Streets guidance