Pilot scheme to restrict traffic outside Melksham school

A trial scheme to improve safety for children travelling to and from school will be introduced at Aloeric Primary School from September.

The School Streets scheme will be introduced for a trial period of six to 18 months.

It will temporarily restrict through traffic on roads outside schools at the start and end of the school day, aiming to reduce congestion, improve safety and encourage walking, wheeling and cycling.

Wiltshire Council is introducing the scheme following a public consultation and engagement with residents, schools, businesses and the wider community.

The restrictions would only apply for short periods at the start and end of the school day during term time and would be enforced using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, with exemptions for emergency services, people living within the restrictions and people with defined needs.

At the end of the trial period a decision will be made about whether the scheme will be made permanent.

Cabinet Member for Highways Cllr Martin Smith said, “We are starting pilots at four schools in September, one of which is at Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, under an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO).

“Aloeric School will continue to have a number of permits to allow parents to park free of charge in the King Street car park through the Ride and Stride initiative, encouraging families to park nearby and walk the final stretch.”

Pictured: Cllr Jon Hubbard, who has welcomed the scheme, outside Aloeric Primary School