‘School street’ to block traffic at pick-up and drop-off times

‘Experimental’ traffic restrictions have been introduced outside a school in Chadderton to protect pupils at pick-up and drop-off times.

Oldham council has introduced a ‘school street’ initiative outside Christ Church CofE primary school, off Denton Lane in Chadderton.

School streets are part of a borough-wide collection of measures being introduced to tackle road safety concerns and congestion around schools.

They also aim to increase ‘active travel’ routes by boosting families’ confidence to walk, scoot or cycle to school. 

Motorised vehicles are not permitted to enter a specific zone during the ‘school street’ operating times, unless they have been granted an exemption.

The scheme will restrict access at the junction of the school access road Shoreham Walk and Denton Lane, with the entry road being closed the entire length, from 8.15am to 9am, and 2.45pm to 3.15pm.

A decision notice published by the authority states: “The proposal to reducing traffic access at the junction of the school access road and Denton Lane is welcomed as this will put residents’ first by reducing congestion and keeping children and families safe.

“High traffic levels outside of schools poses road safety risks to all road users, including pedestrians, creates congestion, compromises air quality and obstructs access for residents and the emergency services.

“Removing vehicular traffic at certain times of the day from roads in the vicinity of school entrances will facilitate safer journeys for children travelling to school and make active travel options (cycling and walking) viable and more appealing

“The council is also intending to rely on school staff or volunteers to effectively enforce the prohibition of driving by erecting/removing barriers.”

It is specifically aimed to tackle issues affecting parents and residents, as the surrounding neighbourhood is made up of high density terraced streets with ‘little or no off-street parking’, which adds to parking issues at the start and end of the school day.

Residents and businesses within the zone, as well as special groups such as blue badge holders and emergency vehicles, can be granted an exemption.

The school street will not operate during school holidays and weekends.

“The aim of a school street is to enable walking and active travel to school by creating a safer, healthier and more pleasant environment with less traffic congestion,” the council states.

The cost of introducing the measures is £5.15k, which will be financed from capital expenditure.

Oldham council will monitor the impact of the traffic order on the affected roads and users, as well as the surrounding area so it can be modified or removed if required.

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