New traffic ban to make school streets safer

A Traffic Order has come into force creating the first permanent 'School Street' in Torbay, ready for the start of the next academic year.

The safety measure, introduced by Torbay Council, was trialled at Curledge Street in Paignton during the Covid pandemic in September 2020and bans vehicles at busy drop-off and pick-up times.

Curledge Street Academy has buildings on both sides of the road which has narrow pavements, so a traffic ban was trialled to improve safety at drop-off and pick-up times.

After the success of the trial, and following consultation, a new permanent Traffic Order has come into force ready for September. It covers from September 1 to July 31, with a break for the summer holidays.

It bans vehicles from entering Curledge Street from Midvale Road and travelling westwards past the primary school between 8.15am and 9.15am, and between 2.45pm and 3.45pm. Cycling is allowed and there is an exemption for emergency services.

The purpose of creating the new Pedestrian and Cycle Zone will improve the environment for all by reducing traffic noise and pollution, and encourage more walking and cycling trips.

Nick Bye, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are pleased that this small change will result in a big improvement to the safety of everyone at busy times outside the school."
Hannah Wilkinson, Head of School at Curledge Street Academy, said: "It's really important for us that the children can enter the school and exit the school with reduced emissions and a safer zone for cycling and scooting, which the children here absolutely adore. There are many positive benefits coming from the traffic order. The biggest one for me is that all children will be safe at all times at Curledge Street Academy.”