Residents across Oxfordshire are being asked to share their views on proposals to expand the county’s school streets programme, which aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling for children travelling to school.
The consultation, run by Oxfordshire County Council, is open online until 13 October. The proposals cover new and extended school streets in Banbury, Carterton, Didcot and Oxford.
School streets is a growing programme in the county, with nine schools already implementing temporary road closures for most motor vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times. The initiative creates safer, more welcoming spaces for children, reduces congestion, and improves air quality.
The council is consulting on proposals for the following schools:
- Banbury – Harriers Banbury Academy
- Carterton – Edith Moorhouse Primary School and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
- Didcot – Willowcroft Community Primary School and St Birinus Boys School
- Oxford – extending the existing school street for Sandhills Community Primary School in Headington to include Delbush Avenue
The county already has nine school streets in Abingdon, Didcot, Headington, east Oxford and south Oxford. At Larkrise Primary School in Oxford, the scheme has reduced car use for pupil travel by 21 per cent.
School streets are enforced by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. Residents living on designated school streets, as well as emergency services, public service vehicles and blue badge holders, can still access the roads during operating times.
The scheme is developed in collaboration with schools and contributes to wider school travel plans. These can also include Bikeability cycling training and park-and-stride initiatives, where families who need to drive can park nearby and walk the final stretch.
Residents who need a paper copy of the survey can request one by contacting the council’s customer services team or by email.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“I am exceptionally proud of the success of our school streets programme and the great feedback we get from the schools benefitting from a school street. It’s an example of positive action to create a better environment for our children and young people.
“The benefits of an active journey to school are well known, helping set children up for a day of learning and boosting wellbeing. School streets bring extra safety and enjoyment to the final stretch of the school run.
“I look forward to hearing people’s thoughts on the proposals as this will help to shape the final plans so that they work best for everyone.”
