Brighton & Hove has received overwhelming community support for its six new School Street schemes, according to the results of consultations held to gauge public opinion. Over three-quarters of respondents indicated support for the measures, which are designed to enhance the safety and health of children, parents, carers, teachers and school staff. The schemes will also help to improve air quality outside schools and encourage sustainable travel by school communities. Walking, cycling or scooting can enhance physical and mental health, and School Streets are an excellent way to promote such active travel.
Residents and school communities were invited to provide feedback on the proposals for Aldrington Primary, Balfour Primary, Hangleton Primary, Hertford Infant, St. Nicolas Primary, and Stanford Junior. The design of each scheme was also supported by most people. Work has already commenced on four of the six schemes, while the design of the scheme at St Nicolas Primary has been deferred to a future programme year for maximum effectiveness, with the existing School Street to remain in place. Further redesign of the Balfour Primary scheme is underway, with implementation targeted for August.
Councillor Steve Davis, Co-Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee, expressed his delight at the level of community support and noted that the schemes would ensure safer journeys to school, reduce the carbon footprint, and promote sustainable travel. “School Streets means more opportunity to walk, cycle and scoot for everyone,” he said. The success of the schemes is a cause for celebration and a source of satisfaction for all involved, he added.
