Frome traffic scheme for ‘safer school streets’ made permanent

A project which aims to keep children safe on the school run has been made permanent following an 18-month trial.

Roads around a number of schools in Frome will now have traffic calming measures in place year-round, including speed reductions and timed road closures.

The Frome Town Council scheme encouraged children to walk or cycle to school and involved Avanti Park School, Critchill School, Oakfield Academy and Trinity Church of England First School.

Somerset Council said the move was part of a commitment to “safer, healthier journeys for children and families”.

Frome Town Council claimed the “majority” of people were in favour of continuing the scheme, which it worked on in partnership with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Active Travel England.

The town council said there had been an increase in children walking and cycling to school alongside “an average 36% reduction in traffic volume at drop-off and pick-up times”.

Frome town councillor Anita Collier said: “We’re pleased to see the traffic order for Safer School Streets made permanent, and to hear from a majority of survey respondents about the positive impact the scheme has had for them.

“In particular, the high approval rating from parents and schools is an endorsement of the project, from the people who stand to benefit most from safer travel to and from school.”

Somerset Council’s lead member for transport Richard Wilkins said the scheme was about creating streets where walking and cycling feels “natural and safe” and where the school run “doesn’t come with unnecessary risk”.

He added: “We’re proud to work with partners and the community to deliver a scheme that improves safety, supports active travel, and helps shape a more sustainable future for Frome.”