A trial scheme to improve safety for pupils travelling to and from school will be introduced outside Aloeric Primary School.
The School Streets scheme temporarily restricts motor vehicle access at drop-off and pick-up times during term time. It aims to make the school entrance safer, encourage walking and cycling, and cut pollution around the school.
Wiltshire Council is running the 12-month trial at six schools across the county, all of which requested to take part. At Aloeric School, an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera is proposed to enforce the zone. Residents in the roads affected by the School Streets, plus emergency services, will receive exemptions to travel through the zone.
Parents will also have access to free permits for the King Street car park through the Ride and Stride initiative, encouraging families to park nearby and walk the final stretch. The trial is expected to begin after the Easter holidays in April 2026.
Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Cllr Jon Hubbard, said, “It’s fantastic news. Wiltshire Council have done a great job because what they have managed to do is they have found a way of not having a negative impact on local residents but be able to create a safe environment around the entrance to the school at pick-up and drop-off times and I think that is so important.
“There have been a couple of incidents there and frankly, it is only a matter of time until there is a really serious incident there.
“There will be challenges. There will be parents who will see their morning routines disrupted and I understand that is inconvenient for them but we have got to look at the wider picture of this and most importantly, we have got to look at what’s best for our young people.”
Headteacher Tom Mullins said, “Aloeric is proud to be part of the School Streets initiative, a community-focused program designed to make the roads around our school safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for children and families.
“We chose to take part in School Streets because we believe every child deserves a safe and healthy journey to school. By reducing traffic congestion and pollution at peak times, we’re helping to improve air quality, encourage active travel, and foster a calmer, more community-oriented environment. It’s a simple change that will make a big difference—not just for our pupils, but for the whole neighbourhood.
“We’re excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have and are grateful for the support of our families, staff, and local partners in making School Streets a success.”
Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Cllr Martin Smith, added, “We want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure the scheme works for these five communities.”
Residents can share feedback during the consultation, which runs until Sunday 15th December. For details visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/school-streets.
Other schools taking part include Fynamore Primary, Calne; Minster CofE Primary, Warminster; Queen’s Crescent Primary, Chippenham; and Staverton Primary and Emmaus School, Staverton. .
Pictured: Cllr Jon Hubbard at Aloeric School
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