A major new investment in safer, healthier and more sustainable school journeys is being proposed by Bath and North East Somerset Council, with plans to introduce a number of School Streets across Bath.
Following requests from schools for improvements around their entrances to support walking and cycling, the council is proposing new School Streets at Widcombe Infant and Junior School, St Philip’s Church of England Primary School and St Stephen’s Primary Church School.
A further scheme for Newbridge Primary School is included within the Lyme Road and Charmouth Road Liveable Neighbourhood project.
School Streets are designed to encourage children to walk or cycle to school, improving their physical health, mental wellbeing and readiness to learn. By reducing the number of vehicles near school entrances, they help to cut the risk of accidents and create a calmer, safer environment for pupils, parents and staff.
The schemes work by temporarily restricting motor vehicles outside schools at the start and end of the day, usually for 30 to 60 minutes on weekdays during term time. Exemptions apply to emergency vehicles and blue badge holders, and may also be considered for residents living on the street and pupils with an Educational, Health and Care Plan.
Further measures to support active travel and improve road safety may be introduced alongside each School Street.
A report seeking approval to move forward with the four schemes is being considered by Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, and Councillor Mark Elliot, cabinet member for Resources.
Councillor Lucy Hodge said, “We all know there is often traffic congestion on the roads around schools at the beginning and end of the school day, sometimes leading to dangerous incidents and inconsiderate parking. I welcome the report before me which addresses this and will carefully consider the recommendations that have been set out.”
If approved, the council will work with residents and school communities to finalise the design and operation of each School Street, with a view to launching them in spring 2026 following a statutory public consultation.
Funding for the schemes will come from Bath’s Clean Air Zone fund, the council’s 2025/26 revenue budget and the West of England Combined Authority’s Active Travel Fund.
The initiative supports the council’s wider Movement Strategy, a 10-year plan to improve transport, cut emissions and create healthier, more liveable neighbourhoods. Transport currently accounts for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in B&NES, with Bath ranked as the fifth most congested urban area in the UK.
The public consultation on the Movement Strategy is open until Friday 28 November, and residents, businesses and visitors are invited to share their feedback at www.banestransport.co.uk.
October also marks International Walk to School Month, celebrating the benefits of walking and wheeling to school. Families can find out more at www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/international-walk-to-school-month.
Read more about the report at democracy.bathnes.gov.uk.
