Starting Monday, November 3, Herefordshire Council will launch its Safer School Streets initiative at five local schools, creating safer and healthier environments for children and families.
The scheme will restrict vehicle access during school drop-off and pick-up times, directly addressing concerns raised by residents, schools, and parish councils.
Issues such as pavement parking, stressful and unsafe conditions outside school gates, blocked driveways, and limited opportunities for children to travel independently have all contributed to the need for the initiative.
By limiting vehicle access during peak times, safety will be improved around school entrances, air pollution will be reduced and traffic congestion eased.
It also encourages families to embrace active travel options such as walking, wheeling, cycling, or scooting, fostering healthier habits and a stronger sense of community.
Councillor Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure at Herefordshire Council, said:
Safer School Streets will help make the areas outside school entrances safer and more pleasant for everyone.
We have seen similar successful initiatives across the country offer a proactive solution to tackling congestion and road danger while encouraging more active and sustainable travel to and from school.
The initiative forms part of the wider Improving Transport in Hereford programme, backed by a £19.9 million investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. It reflects the council’s commitment to delivering meaningful improvements to transport and travel across the city.
Kim Lane, Headteacher at Lugwardine Primary Academy, said:
Along with the parents and staff of Lugwardine Primary Academy we are delighted to be part of the Safer School Streets initiative, supporting our families and wider community in ensuring our routes to school are safe.
The scheme will be introduced at:
- Broadlands Primary School – Broadlands Lane, from the junction of Aylestone Hill
- Lord Scudamore Academy – Friars Street, from the junction of Barton Road
- Lugwardine Primary Academy – Barnaby Avenue from the junction at Burdon Drive
- Riverside Primary School – Belmont Avenue, from the junction of Belmont Court, and Hunderton Avenue from the junction at Hunderton Road
- Trinity Primary School – Barricombe Drive from the junction at Moor Farm Lane/Sheridan Road
During term time, vehicle access will be restricted between 8:10am–9:10am and 2:50pm–3:50pm on weekdays.
Herefordshire Council is contacting eligible individuals directly with instructions on how to apply for a free permit.
Who can apply for a permit:
- Businesses in the zone and their visitors
- Residents in the zone and their visitors
- Healthcare providers working at properties in the zone
- Blue badge holders with a legitimate reason for entering the zone
A number of vehicles will be exempt without needing a permit:
- Emergency vehicles
- Street cleansing and waste collection
- Postal service vehicles (liveried vehicles only)
- Utility companies (such as water, electricity, and gas companies) attending emergency works
- School buses and taxis
- Public transport
To learn more about the scheme, including exemption criteria and alternative parking options please visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/saferschoolstreets