Frome’s innovative Safer School Streets trial, launched in April 2024 to enhance road safety around key local schools, is entering its final phase. Residents are now encouraged to share their experiences and opinions through an open survey, which will play a crucial role in deciding whether the changes become permanent.
The trial introduced a range of measures around Trinity First School, Oakfield Academy, Critchill School, and Avanti Park School, including timed road closures during school runs, traffic calming installations, additional cycle racks, benches, planters, and informal pedestrian crossings. One notable addition is a new zebra crossing on The Butts, improving safety on one of Frome’s busiest routes for families and children.
The evaluation survey, available until Friday, May 30, aims to gather comprehensive feedback from the community. The insights collected will be combined with data from the trial period to assess the overall impact and guide future decisions.
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Councillor Anita Collier emphasized the importance of community input, stating, “Road safety for children and everyone using our streets is a priority. While Safer School Streets is a proven approach, each locality has unique needs. Your feedback is vital in helping us understand how the scheme is working here in Frome. As a token of appreciation, participants can enter a prize draw to win a £100 OneForAll voucher.”
Matt Winfield, COO at Sustrans, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: “Designed with local residents, this scheme’s success depends on hearing from the community about whether it encourages more children to walk, wheel, or cycle to school regularly.”
Residents can complete the survey online at bit.ly/safer-school-streets-evaluation-residents, scan QR codes located around town, or pick up a paper copy from Frome Town Hall. Further details about the initiative are also available online.