Temporary traffic restrictions have been in place since 2020 preventing most vehicles from using Broad Walk outside Saltash Community School between 2.45pm and 3.15pm Monday to Friday.
Now, the school and local community have asked to make the arrangement permanent, extending the ban to all vehicles on the road during the 30 minutes around school pick up.
The consultation also includes improvements to walking and cycling links in the surrounding areas.
Hilary Frank, Cornwall Council local member for Saltash Essa, said: “We started developing these proposals many years ago, trying to figure out ways to ease the impact that the high volume of traffic is having on residents living near St Stephens Community Primary School and Saltash Community School. So it is a particular joy and relief that the plans are now at the stage where we can go out to public consultation.
“As well as improving safety around our schools, I'm hoping the proposals will also promote cycling and walking as the natural choices for getting to school, helping us make lifestyle changes that will improve our own health as well as the health of the planet.”
Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “Anyone who either lives by a school or has been on school ‘pick up’ duties will know how congested roads become. Our proposal to make the restrictions permanent aim to create a better environment for everyone – tackling congestion and improving air quality, as well as it making it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle to school.”
Matt Oakes, assistant headteacher at Saltash Community School, said: “We take the responsibility of safeguarding our students very seriously. We have been concerned around the safety on Broadwalk due to the high volume of traffic at the end of school. We have taken measures to improve this situation, however the temporary road closure has made a remarkable difference. Our students can now cross the road safely, board their buses, and walk and cycle away from our school with the confidence of knowing they are kept safe. We are grateful to the Council and local residents for their support with this scheme.”
Heather Landers, Headteacher of St. Stephens Community Primary School, said: “We are very happy to support Cornwall Council in these proposals to help ease the traffic problems around the St Stephens area as it is the main access for our school and others nearby. We have had so many near misses and traffic incidents that the safety measures suggested really are essential to safeguard the community.”
The consultation runs until Wednesday, June 15 2022.
Story posted 27 May 2022