Parents in Coventry could soon be fined for driving their kids to and from the school gates. A driving ban affecting streets next to four city schools comes into force this week, 4 September.
Motorists will be forbidden from using the roads at school pick-up and drop-off times on weekdays, under rules brought in by the council. Only residents with permits and exempt vehicles will be allowed to drive in these zones.
It means parents at these schools who use the car for the school run will have to park further away. More details on the schools, roads and times can be found below.
The schemes known as "school streets" are not yet permanent and come after one was trialled at Knights Templar Way. The rules will apply for 18 months before the council reviews them and anyone can object in the first six months they are in force.
Plans for the change were revealed last year and a council meeting in June confirmed they would be in place by September. Coventry council gave notice of the move last month, 22 August.
The aim of the "traffic free" streets is to try to increase safety and boost air quality by the school gate, according to a "statement of reasons" with the scheme. The restrictions can also help tackle parking problems and encourage other ways of getting to school, it said.
The schools and local residents that will be affected by the new Coventry schemes support the plans, it added. But drivers who breach the restrictions face a hefty fine.
Those caught out by police face a £50 fixed penalty notice (FPN) and if new ANPR cameras on the roads are used rule-breakers could be fined up to £70 - though this would come after monitoring and a six week consultaiton. The new rules do not apply to residents with permits, pedal cycles, emergency services, maintenance vehicles and school buses.
Five roads next to four schools in Coventry will be affected by the new schemes. Here is a list of the schools that are impacted, the roads where the driving ban will apply and the times it will be in force:
School Streets in Coventry
Southfields Primary School:
Stanton Bridge Primary School
Cardinal Wiseman RC School
Ravensdale Primary School
Coventry Live readers are mostly in support of the plan to make some local parents rethink their school run strategy as a new driving ban is set to hit the streets surrounding four city schools starts this week. Readers and residents have been having their say in our comments section.
The clampdown will see roads next to the schools off-limits during the hustle and bustle of school pick-up and drop-off times on weekdays. The council has decreed that only permit-holding residents and certain exempt vehicles can use these zones at these times.
This plan was first hinted at last year, with a council meeting in June cementing the plans for a September launch. The council put out an official notice on 22 August, alerting the public to the upcoming changes.
Read more: Residents demand street lights be turned back on as over a thousand people sign petition
The "traffic free" initiative aims to enhance safety and air quality around school gates, as outlined in the scheme's "statement of reasons". It's also designed to alleviate parking chaos and promote alternative transport methods for the school journey.
Local schools and residents are reportedly backing the new schemes in Coventry. However, drivers who flout the new rules could be slapped with a significant fine. Police will issue a £50 fixed penalty notice (FPN) to those caught in violation, and the introduction of new ANPR cameras could see fines escalate to £70 after a period of monitoring and a six-week consultation process.
Commenter Blueblue123 thinks: “One for the Sacred Heart down Brays Lane would be great - place is a warzone morning and evening drop off times, never mind the road also being used as a rat run!”
Deleteme believes: “The biggest problem here is that the road restrictions are all at different times. At least try and standardise the closure times. Or is this merely a ploy to increase revenue?”
Mouse111 likes the plan: “Brilliant news but can't help but wonder why it took so long? Heaven forbid the poor mums may have to get up 10 mins earlier to get their kids to school now they have to walk a few minutes! Hopefully this will be rolled out at every school in time.”
Fish55 agrees: “This is a problem outside every school and surrounding areas. Perhaps if they went back to catchment areas for schools it may help, but I very much doubt it.”
James1987 adds: “To be honest if they lived 100 yards from the school they would still drive up.”
Philskey writes: “The tip of the iceberg. It’s easier to install a camera than to do your job and police the streets.”
Tfer replies: “Yet you'd be the first to complain about the Police sitting outside a school for 2 1⁄2 hours a day!”
Bulus adds: “Are you serious? How many spare police officers do you think there are to sit outside school gates? Cameras are the best way to enforce this as long as signage is clear and drivers have been pre warned.”
Anne g murray wonders: “Just who is going keep an eye on all this non-policing? No street wardens, so who is going to stop them parking? I don't think this will work,”
Danifl says finally: “I had to get to school by bus, and back!”
Do you think the cameras will make the school roads safer? Have your say in our comments section.
School Streets: A Growing Trend
The introduction of School Streets is not just a localized phenomenon in Coventry. It's a growing trend across the UK and beyond, as cities grapple with congestion, pollution, and safety concerns around schools. These "traffic free" zones are often implemented during peak school hours to discourage car use and encourage walking, cycling, and public transport.
The Debate Continues
While the intention of School Streets is admirable – to create a safer and healthier environment for children and the community – the implementation isn't without its critics. Some parents argue that it adds inconvenience to their already busy schedules, while others question the effectiveness of the measures. The debate surrounding School Streets is ongoing, with proponents highlighting the potential benefits, while critics raise concerns about accessibility and enforcement.
The Future of School Streets
The success of School Streets hinges on a multifaceted approach. It's not just about imposing restrictions but also about providing viable alternatives and ensuring that the needs of the community are considered. It's about collaboration, communication, and ultimately, creating a better environment for everyone. The future of School Streets, both in Coventry and elsewhere, will likely be shaped by the effectiveness of these schemes and the ongoing dialogue between policymakers, residents, and schools.
