ROADS outside 14 Calderdale schools will be closed to vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times from Monday.

Calderdale Councils says the changes will encourage more active ways for children to get to school, such as walking and cycling, and allow for social distancing amid the COVID-19 crisis, but the changes are not totally related to the pandemic.

No vehicles will be allowed on certain streets at these times for up to six weeks, says the council, which is using its powers to transform the streets into temporary pedestrian and cycle zones.

However, there will be controlled access for residents’ vehicles, deliveries, emergency and utility vehicles.

Calls to close off streets to traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times

The council’s Cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment, Coun Scott Patient (Lab, Luddenden Foot) said the new restrictions were part of the national School Streets community-based approach, aiming to reduce car usage and air pollution, promote walking and cycling and boost road safety, health and wellbeing.

Last June, traffic restrictions were successfully trialled at Field Lane Primary School in Rastrick to support Clean Air Day.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought forward the rollout as part of the recovery.

Coun Patient said the council was determined to give children and young people the best possible start in life.

“A key part of this is to protect them from dangerous air pollution and help families to make healthy and sustainable travel choices.

“The School Streets scheme will encourage a healthier lifestyle and create a safer, cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone.

“As the coronavirus will be with us for some time, building a safe future remains paramount.

“Our School Streets will support social distancing rules, safe spaces, safe transport and a safe education,” he said.

Parents, carers and nearby residents and businesses are being contacted directly about the new restrictions.

There will be signs in place on site and school staff will be there to provide information, engage with people and ensure compliance with the rules, taking social distancing into account, said Coun Patient.

The effectiveness of School Streets will be monitored and the feedback will inform future rollout decisions.

The schools – and times – affected are as follows:

Abbey Park Academy, Illingworth – Keighley Close, 8.15am to 9.15am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm;

Beech Hill School, Halifax – Mount Pleasant Avenue, 8.20am to 9.05am and 2.40pm to 3.25pm; Bradshaw Primary School, Halifax – Ingham Lane, 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm;

Field Lane Primary School, Rastrick – Burnsall Road, 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.40pm; Northowram Primary School, Northowram – Baxter Lane, 8.30am to 9.15am and 3pm to 3.45pm.

Riverside Junior School, Hebden Bridge – Holme Street, 8am to 9.15am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm;

St Augustine’s CE (VA) J and I School, Halifax – driveway closed 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm;

St Chad’s CE Primary Academy, Brighouse – Finkil Street, 8.15am to 9am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm;

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Halifax – Portland Road, 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm;

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Academy, Todmorden – Wellington Road, 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm.

St Malachy’s Catholic Primary School, Illingworth – Furness Place, 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.30pm to 3.15pm;

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Halifax – Swires Road, 8.45am to 9.30am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm; Wainstalls School, Halifax – Wainstalls Road, 8.30am to 9.10am and 3pm to 3.40pm;

and Withinfields Primary School, Southowram – Withinfields, 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm.