A SCHEME to ban traffic from outside schools during drop off and pick up times will be trialled in 10 Bradford primaries.

There have long been calls for Bradford Council to implement “school streets” in the district, and the Authority announced today - Clean Air Day, that two schools in each of the district’s constituencies will be part of the pilot scheme.

An attempt to reduce pollution levels around schools and encourage more families to walk or cycle - the pilot will see traffic on a number of roads around the schools limited at morning drop off and afternoon pick up times.

There are already numerous School Street projects in neighbouring Calderdale.

Roads outside 14 schools to close at beginning and end of school day

Bradford Council has yet to name which schools will be involved - saying they are currently in talks with schools and local councillors.

The trial is likely to begin later this year, and if a success, School Streets could be rolled out to schools across Bradford.

A Council spokesman said: “For those who can’t avoid driving their towards their child’s school, it is hoped they will park some distance away from the school gates and walk the rest, providing them with an easy way to get more exercise and help make schools safer and reduce harmful car exhaust emissions in the air around the schools.”

Access arrangements will be made for people living on the effected streets and businesses while some vehicles, such as the emergency services, and people with mobility issues, will be exempt from the restrictions.

The School Streets project complements the no idling campaign which launched in January and asks drivers to switch off their engines when waiting to collect children from school.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: “The roads around schools can often be congested and chaotic at drop-off and pick-up times. We believe School Streets can help alleviate much of that and make the area around schools safer and nicer environments for children, parents, school staff and local residents and businesses. By encouraging families to walk or cycle to school, the scheme also promotes healthier and more active lifestyles.

"We look forward to working with the schools who sign up for the pilot scheme and seeing the impact of the changes and learning how other schools across the district can benefit in the future.”

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for Healthy People and Places, said: “School Streets can play a valuable role in improving the health of our communities by encouraging families to be more active and helping to improve air quality. We know that children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful health effects of air pollution so it is important we tackle the issue around our schools.

“The School Streets project reflects our ambition to support all our residents to have better health and better lives.”