Wirral Council is working with local schools to introduce ‘School Streets’. They aim to make the school run safer, healthier, and happier for everyone.
What is a School Street?
A School Street is a road outside a school that is closed to traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times. This limits traffic in the road outside the school at key times.
The scheme encourages travelling to school by walking, cycling, or scooting. It aims to:
- reduce the build-up of traffic outside school gates
- improve air quality
- create a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone around schools
How does it work?
The schemes are initially delivered through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). This will be for a trial period of 18 months. Within this time, a decision is taken whether to make the scheme permanent.
The consultation phase for each school takes place during the first six months of the pilot.
Each School Street may operate slightly differently. This will help decide which method works best for the school and the local community.
A dedicated Active Travel Officer will help introduce and support the School Street. Signs will show where the School Street zone is and tell motorists of the hours of operation.
Where are the School Streets going to be?
The following schools have been trialled and made permanent:
- Greenleas Primary School, Wallasey (launched in November 2021)
- Christchurch Primary School, Birkenhead
- Liscard Primary School, Liscard
- St George's Primary School (lower site), Wallasey
- Raeburn Primary School, Bromborough
Funding for the scheme
The existing six schools were funded by the Combined Authority Transport Plan Capital Programme. There was also funding from the Department for Transport Active Travel Fund Tranche 2.
Will more School Street schemes be introduced?
On the 3 December 2024, a report was taken to the Environment Climate Emergency and Transport Committee. It sets out the prioritisation of future school street schemes.
We have committed to delivering a further three schools in 2025/26. Consultation for these schemes will be done through the council’s Have Your Say website.