Starting in early 2026, children attending several primary schools in Bath could benefit from safer, healthier journeys thanks to the city’s introduction of its first “school streets.” Bath and North East Somerset Council is considering temporary traffic restrictions during morning and afternoon school hours outside Widcombe Infant and Junior School, St Philip’s Church of England Primary, and St Stephen’s Primary Church School.
Council cabinet member Lucy Hodge (Lansdown, Liberal Democrat) supports the initiative following requests from these schools seeking safer environments for walking and cycling. She highlighted the common issue of traffic congestion and dangerous parking around schools during drop-off and pick-up times. “This report addresses these problems, and I will carefully consider its recommendations,” Ms. Hodge said.
However, the plan has faced criticism from Green councillors who have long advocated for school streets. Green group leader Joanna Wright (Lambridge) expressed concerns about the council’s approach, stating, “While we welcome the introduction of school streets, the current plan excludes key contributors like Green councillors, scrutiny panels, and subject matter experts. This risks a flawed rollout that could fail, waste public money, and undermine future initiatives.”
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Saskia Heijltjes (also Lambridge, Green) questioned the practicality of relying on school staff and parents to staff a rota of 20 shifts per week to enforce the restrictions. She advocates for a camera-enforced system, which many local authorities have successfully implemented.
In response, Ms. Hodge emphasized that the policy underwent the proper scrutiny process and was approved in May 2024. She defended using signs and trained volunteers, citing successful implementation in other cities as a quicker, less disruptive method. “We will collaborate closely with schools and local communities to operate each School Street safely. There will also be formal public consultations and ongoing monitoring,” she added.
The council has allocated £250,000 from Clean Air Zone funding, supplemented by £87,000 in one-off funds and £75,000 from the West of England Combined Authority, aiming to support as many school streets as possible. Separately, Newbridge Primary School could see a similar scheme as part of the Lyme Road and Charmouth Road Liveable Neighbourhood project.
This initiative promises to create safer, calmer spaces where children and their families can start and end the school day with greater peace of mind.