Bath & North East Somerset Council is proposing to introduce two new School Streets to create safer, healthier journeys for children at the start and end of the school day.
Consultations are now open on plans for School Streets outside Widcombe Infant & Junior Schools and St Stephen’s Primary Church school in Lansdown, with residents and families invited to have their say until 26 February.
School Streets introduce short, timed vehicle restrictions around schools during drop-off and pick-up times. They aim to reduce congestion, improve air quality and encourage more families to walk, scoot or cycle.
Both the Widcombe schools and St Stephen’s Primary Church school are working closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council and their school communities to shape the proposals. All are part of the national Modeshift STARS scheme, which promotes active travel for pupils.
At Widcombe Infant & Junior Schools, the council is proposing timed vehicle restrictions on Archway Street and Excelsior Street from 8.20 to 9am and 2.50 to 3.30pm on school days only. Residents on these streets would be able to apply for exemption permits.
At St Stephen’s Primary Church school, the proposal covers the northern end of Beacon Road, between Richmond Lane and Richmond Place. Restrictions would operate from 8.15 to 9am and 3 to 3.45pm on school days only, with no residential or business properties on this stretch requiring exemptions.
Essential access, including emergency services, school transport, utilities and specific accessibility needs, would be maintained at both sites.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said, “School Streets are about putting children and their safety first. By reducing traffic outside school gates, we can make journeys safer, calmer and more enjoyable. These proposals reflect what parents, staff and residents have told us about safety and congestion, and I encourage people to look at the plans and share their views.”
Local residents, businesses and school communities can take part through online surveys and drop-in events.
Drop-in sessions will be held at Widcombe Infants School on Tuesday 10 February from 3.45 to 7pm, and at St Stephen’s Primary School Hall on Wednesday 11 February from 3.45 to 7pm.
The formal Traffic Regulation Order consultations run from 5 to 26 February 2026, closing at 5pm. Letters outlining the proposals have been sent to residents and school communities.
Full details and survey links are available at bathnes.gov.uk/widcombeschoolstreet and bathnes.gov.uk/ststephens-schoolstreet.
More information on the wider School Streets programme can be found at bathnes.gov.uk/schoolstreets.
