Yesterday, Wednesday 20th September, Sheffield Councillors voted to make the “School Street” serving Westways Primary School in Crookes permanent.
School Streets are a pioneering approach to transforming road safety and air quality outside schools, whereby car traffic is restricted, to create safer, healthier and more pleasant walking environments for school children. This School Street has been in operation for Westways Primary since the beginning of the Crookes and Walkley Active Neighbourhood in April 2022. Councillors serving on Sheffield’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee voted to approve the measure being permanent, following a successful trial period.
Charles Hollamby, the Head of School at Westways Primary, said:
“’The School Street has been really well received by our school community here at Westways. It helps provide a calmer and safer start (and end) to the school day for our families who use our gates on Mona Avenue.’
Fran, whose daughter attends Westways Primary School, said:
“I’m often walking three children and a dog to school and the School Street gives you much more peace of mind when approaching school, before I was always worried about cars suddenly pulling in or out. It’s made a huge difference and there’s definitely less vehicle fumes on the way in.
“It’s also really useful for children to learn some road safety skills on the journey in a safer environment. It enables my daughter to practice crossing the road independently and safely.”
Westways’ School Street measure consists of:
- a prohibition of motor vehicles on Mona Avenue and Mona Road, except for residents who live on those roads, on Mondays to Fridays from 8:15-9:15am and 2:45-3:45pm
- one way on Mona Avenue and part of Mona Road
- No waiting at any time on parts on Mona Road
Ruth Milsom, Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, said:
“Through this School Street, our schoolchildren are gaining a safer road that’s easier to navigate, quieter, calmer, and safer. Westways’ School Street has been a success, and I’m keen to see many more rolled out across the city.”
Minesh Parekh, Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, said:
“Far too many schools are on or near to roads with illegal levels of air pollution. As a society, we need to do far more to give our children and young people a safe route to and from school. I’m really pleased that Westways’ School Street has been such a success: giving our young people a safer, calmer and less polluted environment when entering and leaving school.”
Crosspool News - crosspool.info 