Frequently Asked Questions

We are trialling this initiative for up to 18 months at each site from 2 November 2020 for the first two trials and from spring 2022 for the second part of the trial. This is known as 'experimental' because the engagement and consultation processes will take place once each scheme is 'live' and will determine whether this becomes permanent at the end of the trial. 

Identified streets around schools will become a pedestrian and cycle-friendly environments for agreed times at the start and end of the school day. Signs at the entrance to the zone will inform people of the restrictions. Vehicles cannot drive in this zone between these times unless they have an exemption permit and violation of this is a criminal offence.

The scheme is being delivered using Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs), which can stay in place for a maximum of 18 months. During this time, we will monitor and assess the impact of these changes and consider any representations received to decide whether they should be made permanent. We aim to engage with all stakeholders and local people in various ways including surveys. 

Pedestrian and cycle zone signs are placed at the entry/exit points of each School Street zone. Breach of these signs is a criminal offence and enforceable by the Police. Breach of any experimental parking/waiting restrictions brought in to facilitate the schools streets closures are a civil offence and penalty charge notices can be issued by civil enforcement officers on patrol.

There may be other soft enforcement measures put in place on a case by case basis. This may include the use of physical barriers, signage and support from the local community to engage with road users and pedestrians.

All vehicles already parked in a School Street zone before the times of operation will be able to leave. Road users are asked to read the signs and take the operation times into consideration when parking within the school streets zone. Please also heed road lineage as some may have restrictions for parking.

Vehicles that are registered to a residential or business address within a School Streets zone are eligible for exemption from that School Street zone.

You will be able to check if your address is eligible for exemption from any of the new School Streets zones that are launching. 

Link to Permits Page 

Vehicles that are not eligible

Vehicles driven by residents living outside of a School Streets zone, parents/carers dropping off/collecting children at the school, friends, tradespeople, and delivery vehicles, and any other non-exempt vehicle will not be permitted to enter the street during the School Streets operational times.

We will consider granting special exemptions on a case by case basis. Staff are encouraged to park outside the School Street zone.

Parents or carers with exceptional circumstances, blue badge holders or requiring parking closer to the school for other reasons

Please apply through the school office for a permit. These are considered on a case by case basis by the school. 

Staff

We encourage staff to model and promote walking or cycling to school although staff are eligible for a permit. Please contact the school office for a permit.We encourage staff to arrive and leave outside the school streets hours if possible. 

The street should be visibly calmer, safer and cleaner during the operation times. However, we will monitor this closely.

We will work with schools to collect data on how pupils and staff travel to school.

We will also use other data collection methods, such as monitoring traffic, taking air quality readings, etc.

Stakeholder groups will allow people to have a say, meeting regularly to steer the project. We will also include focus groups to provide feedback.

We will be asking as many people as possible to take part in a survey at the start  and during other points in the scheme. You can also contact Thinktravel using the email addresses on the home page. 

In order to consider School Streets as an initiative for Gloucestershire it is important that we carefully consider the implications through a trial lasting up to 18 months. Please visit our Experimental Variation Order page for more information. This is a legal process enabling representations to be made. The consultation process also provides opportunities for comment through surveys, stakeholder and focus group representation, consultation events, social media and through contact with GCC.