Agenda item

A discussion with the Cabinet Member on policy opportunities with regard to school streets.  

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, introduced the discussion on School Streets and gave a presentation which covered the following:

·  School Run

·  Aims of School Streets

·  Policy Basis

·  Step approach to mode shift

·  Objectives and Benefits

·  Work done so far in BANES

·  Enforcement – options

·  Qualifying criteria

·  Table – School Streets prioritisation criteria

·  Outline programme

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Hughes asked why information was not circulated in advance on this item. The Cabinet Member explained that this was a discussion around policy development rather than scrutiny.

Councillor Hughes asked if LTNs (Local Traffic Neighbourhood Schemes) and School Streets schemes are sitting separately and asked how School Streets could be similarly prioritised. The Cabinet member explained that, if a request for a School Street scheme comes forward, there would be scope for inclusion into an LTN. She added that a pot of funding has now been allocated for School Streets (from the CAZ – Clean Air Zone).

Councillor Heijltjes stated that she would like to see a reference to social and community aspects in the objectives. She also asked if School Streets would be promoted in the next tranche of LTN schemes. The officer explained that it is important to identify which policy intervention is needed at what point in time for which problem. Councillor Wait stated that LTN and School Street schemes could work in unison.

Councillor David stated that she agreed with the objectives in the presentation. She stated that there had been a car free day (and week) at Widcombe school – there had been good community engagement and positive feedback. She stated the importance of working with local businesses to provide locations for park and stride. She added that it was good news that there is funding for a school travel officer and asked if this officer could support walking buses. Councillor David also suggested that some messaging about sustainable transport be mentioned at the application and admissions stage regarding schools. The officer explained that there is a walking bus tool kit and that there is mostly no additional (insurance) premium, but schools will need to do a risk assessment. She added that secondary schools are a natural disruptor event and there has to be a stepped approach when it comes to these schools – such as level 3 bike ability courses. Councillor Wait advised to start any scheme like this after Easter as year groups are fazing out, it is best not to start in September.

Councillor Heijltjes stated that schools are under pressure and it is important that they know our vision. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the point.

Councillor David stated that the call should go out as widely as possible and it is useful to have some flexibility in the criteria (for example a bus route should not preclude a scheme). She explained that mode shift stars provides a framework but schools are doing things outside the administrative system of the scheme. She also stated that nurseries are often near schools.

Councillor Auton stated that Multi Academy Trusts could be contacted as they often cover many schools.

Councillor Hughes asked that the difference between rural and city schools be kept in mind as car dependency can be different.

The Cabinet Member thanked that Panel members for their points and asked them to communicate any further thoughts on how to approach School Streets.