Redhills School takes action to cut school-run

Traffic banned to help social distancing

Exeter's Redhills Primary School is cutting school run traffic by prohibiting parents parking nearby at key times.

It is now one of three schools in Devon, along with Bradley Barton Primary in Newton Abbot and the Whipton Barton Federation in Exeter, to have take part in a scheme by green travel organisation Sustrans which wants people to abandon cars in order to cycle and walk more.

Called “School Streets”, the projects prevents traffic outside school during drop off and pick up times.

Although the scheme began elsewhere way before covid, organisers claim one of the aims is to provide space for social distancing. They also want to make areas around schools safer, tackle air pollution and encouraging 'active travel' by creating nicer spaces for pupils and their families to walk and cycle during the school run.

Money from the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund has been given so the project works.  

William Jaworski, headteacher, said: “There has been such a positive difference already and the community response from neighbours, parents and families has been excellent. I would like to thank Devon County Council and Sustrans for the valuable support and guidance to set up and run School Streets.”

James Cleeton, director for the south of England at Sustrans, said: “Beyond the benefits during the pandemic, School Streets schemes have proved beneficial for road safety and air quality. And they create a cleaner, more pleasant environment outside the school, meaning more children tend to walk or cycle their journey. This means more children get to experience the benefits of active travel on their health and wellbeing.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management, said: “We want people to walk and cycle more to help tackle congestion, reduce carbon emissions and improve health – and School Streets does exactly that. I hope the pupils and their families realise the benefits of this project and show how they can improve their journey to and from school.”

An unnamed parent said: “I think it’s brilliant because there is more space. My son can ride his bike more easily. It feels safer while we are queueing.” An a local resident who also isn't giving a name, said: “I’m very happy about it. People were leaving their engines on. It was horrendous, a massive problem.”