Hampshire County Council approves pilot scheme to create traffic-free roads around schools

The School Streets scheme will see roads surrounding three of the county’s schools being cordoned off and marshalled by volunteers at the start and end of the school day to prevent vehicles from driving along roads on which schools are based.

In addition to improving safety, a key aim of the scheme is to reduce levels of air pollution around schools and to encourage more children to walk or cycle to school.

The trial scheme was this week given the go-ahead at a cabinet meeting.

Harrison Primary School in Fareham, Alverstoke Infant School and Elson Junior School in Gosport, Petersfield Infant School, Foxhills Infant and Junior Schools and Cadland Primary School in the New Forest have been shortlisted for the pilot. It has not yet been revealed which schools will take part in the pilot and which will act as control schools.