Bath is set to introduce its first “school streets” in early 2026, aiming to provide safer, healthier routes for children traveling to and from primary schools. Bath and North East Somerset Council is considering temporary traffic restrictions during school start and finish times outside Widcombe Infant and Junior School, St Philip’s Church of England Primary School, and St Stephen’s Primary Church School.
Council cabinet member Lucy Hodge, representing Lansdown and the Liberal Democrats, supports the plan. She highlighted concerns over traffic congestion and dangerous parking that often occur around schools during peak times. “This initiative will help create safer, calmer spaces for children and families,” she said, emphasizing the council’s commitment to careful consideration and community collaboration.
However, the plan has met some criticism. Green Party councillors, long-time advocates for school streets, argue the council’s approach is flawed. Joanna Wright, Green group leader for Lambridge, expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Green councillors and experts from the planning process. She warned that the plan risks failure, could misallocate taxpayer money, and might hinder future initiatives.
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Saskia Heijltjes, also a Green councillor, questioned the reliance on school staff and parents volunteering for monitoring duties, suggesting it is unrealistic given their other responsibilities. She advocated instead for camera-enforced systems, citing their successful implementation in other local authorities.
In response, Ms. Hodge reassured that the policy had undergone proper scrutiny and was approved by a panel in May 2024. “Using signs and trained volunteers has proven effective elsewhere, enabling swift implementation with minimal disruption,” she explained. The council plans to engage closely with schools and communities, with each scheme subject to public consultation and ongoing monitoring.
Funding for these initiatives includes £250,000 from Clean Air Zone funds, £87,000 in one-off support, and £75,000 from the West of England Combined Authority. The council aims to expand school streets, with a potential additional scheme for Newbridge Primary School under the Lyme Road and Charmouth Road Liveable Neighbourhood project.