Residents and businesses located within the new School Streets pilot zone by Minster Primary School are being urged to apply for exemption permits before a new traffic restriction scheme begins in September.
The 18-month School Streets pilot, run by Wiltshire Council, will temporarily restrict through traffic outside the school at drop-off and pick-up times during term time from 4th September.
Enforced using automatic number plate recognition cameras, the scheme aims to reduce congestion and make roads safer outside school gates.
Exemption permits are available for residents living within the zone, local businesses and their employees, school staff, Blue Badge holders, and individuals with medical needs. School transport, such as school buses and licensed school taxis, will be arranged with the school, while emergency services vehicles are automatically exempt.
The restrictions are being introduced under Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders, allowing feedback from the local community to be gathered over the 18-month period before a decision is made on whether to make the changes permanent.
Three other schools are also taking part in the scheme – Fynamore Primary School in Calne, Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, and Queen’s Crescent Primary School in Chippenham.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said, “As we prepare to introduce School Streets at four schools across Wiltshire, we want to make sure residents and businesses within the restricted areas have all the information they need and can apply for an exemption permit if they are entitled to.
“School Streets are designed to improve safety and reduce congestion outside schools at the busiest times of day, helping create a safer environment for children, parents and carers. This trial meets Our Wiltshire Plan commitments to have safer roads and promote walking and cycling.
“We are writing to all residents and businesses in the School Streets zones, but I would encourage anyone who thinks they may need an exemption permit to check the eligibility criteria and apply as soon as possible so everything is in place ahead of the start of the pilot.”
To apply for an exemption permit and to find out more, people should go to https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/school-streets
Send us your news!
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share? Have you seen something you feel needs more attention? Get in touch with a reporter today!
✉️ Click here to get in touch with a reporterSupport Local Journalism
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Local news is under pressure more than ever. For just £5 a month, you can support independent reporting that shares local stories, investigates the issues that affect you, and keeps residents up to date.
Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation to support independent journalism in Warminster.
