As part of the Local Transport Capital Programme, South Gloucestershire Council has introduced a number of 'safer routes to schools' schemes.
The aim of a safer routes to school scheme is to provide highways measures to encourage more young people to walk or cycle to school.
As well as changing the highway infrastructure to make it safer for children, South Gloucestershire Council provides funds through the School Travel Plan to bring about changes to attitude and behaviour. The School Travel Plan is used by schools to highlight problems with the highway which would benefit from investment by the safer routes to school schemes.
The types of schemes implemented through the school travel plans include:
- 20mph speed limits outside schools
- Traffic calming
- Pedestrian refuges
- Zebra, puffin, pelican or toucan crossings
- New and improved crossing patrol sites
- Parking restrictions including school 'keep clear' markings, bus stop clearways and double yellow lines
- Footpaths and cycleways
- Cycle parking provision
- Street lighting
The benefits of the Safer Routes to School Scheme are:
- Improved safety
- Less pollution and congestion outside schools
- Better fitness
- Increased independence
- Releasing parents from the 'need' to drive their children to and from school