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Introduction
To improve safety, active travel and air quality, in recent years, some boroughs have introduced some form of road closures outside schools during term times. Based on other boroughs' findings, we have developed a limited temporary road closure proposal to trial outside some of our schools.
The proposal is to restrict motorised access in and out of the identified roads that accommodate school pedestrian gates during the morning school opening and afternoon school closing periods under an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO). The periods of closure have been agreed with the schools. During these periods, the roads will be predominately 'pedestrian and cycle only' zone. Residents who live in the affected roads will be allowed access as will those teachers who work at the schools; those with special needs children who need to be driven to school would also be exempt. Those who are exempt must register with us; exemptions would be subject to meeting the appropriate criteria.
Decision, July 2019
The cabinet member agreed to proceed with an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) to introduce restricted motorised access during school term period at the following locations:
|
School |
Restricted roads |
Restricted periods |
|---|---|---|
|
Harris Primary Academy |
Ivy Gardens |
8.00-9.30am and 2.30-3.30pm until 21 October 2020. From 22 October 2020 |
|
Links Primary School |
Frinton Road and Gunton Road |
8.00-9.30am and 2.45-4.00pm |
|
St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School |
Commonside East (access Rd) |
8.00-9.30am and 2.30-3.30pm |
|
Singlegate Primary |
South Gardens |
8.00-9.30am and 2.30-3.30pm |
Consultation background
As part of our objective to reduce congestion, pollution, collisions, risk and provide a safe environment within the vicinity of schools, we have a rolling road safety and accessibility programme.
Measures that are often implemented include 'school keep clear' zig-zag road markings to prevent drivers parking close to the school gates and to improve sightlines; localised 20mph speed limits with accompanying traffic calming measures and road safety education. These measures have been very successful in most areas, as there has been an improvement in perception of safety. Although these measures have been successful in ensuring access and safety, the level of congestion, risk and air quality outside the schools remain a concern. The contributing factor is the high localised volume of vehicular traffic within the vicinity of schools often generated by parents or carers of pupils attending the school.
Schools and roads affected
The proposals are as follows:
| School plans and newsletters | Restricted roads | Restricted periods |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy Gardens |
8.00-9.30am and 2.30-3.30pm until 21 October 2020. From 22 October 2020 |
|
|
Frinton Road Gunton Road |
8.00 - 9.30am 2.45 - 4.00pm |
|
| Commonside East (access Rd) |
8.00 - 9.30am 2.30 - 3.30pm |
|
|
Singlegate Primary School Plan Since TfL is the traffic authority we are yet to obtain their final approval. Implementation of this site may be delayed |
South Gardens |
8.00 - 9.30am 2.30 - 3.30pm |
- The appropriate signs will be in place to inform all motorists of the hours of closure.
- The temporary closure will be enforced by a camera
- The surrounding roads will be enforced against obstructive / illegal parking
- This measure is introduced to protect your children and we would appreciate your assistance and support
It is appreciated that this may cause some inconvenience to some residents, and where possible we will endeavour to accommodate residents. For the scheme to be a success we will require the cooperation of the school, parents and residents. We ask that the school and residents support our proposals and rearrange certain activities such as deliveries and receiving visitors outside the identified hours during each school term.
Consultation process
The proposed measure is being introduced under an Experimental Traffic Management Order.
- This allows us to implement the restrictions during the consultation period.
- It allows us to assess and monitor the restriction and its impact.
- It will enable the residents and other road users to experience the restriction thereby allowing them to make informed comments.
The restriction and the Order will be in place for a maximum of 18 months. Anyone can object and make representations within the first six months (the statutory formal consultation period) of the experimental Order coming into force and the implementation of the works. Consultees (mainly residents) are encouraged to make their comments at least 3 months after implementation. Consultees will have 6 months to respond to the consultation. Any representations between the 6th and 12th month of the date of the Order will also be considered unless a final decision is made prior to the 12th month. After this time, we will then make a final decision which could include its removal, making some modifications or making it permanent.
All representations must be made in by emailing trafficandhighways@merton.gov.uk
Please quote reference SchoolSafetyzone
A response will not be made until the consultation is concluded and a final decision is made. We will monitor the situation and will make the appropriate adjustments if and when necessary.
Additional notices will also be erected within the vicinity of the proposals to inform residents and road users of the start of the restrictions and the statutory consultation.
Enforcement
During the periods of limited road closure, enforcement will be carried out using cameras. Exemptions will be given to residents, teachers and special needs children. Residents and teachers must register their vehicle registrations with us to qualify for the exemption. Carers visiting residents who live in the road will also be exempt if their registration are logged with us. However, we respectfully request that, if possible, visitors including carers rearrange their visits outside the restricted hours.