Some cars will be banned from parking outside school gates at pick up and drop off from September under a new scheme.
A handful of primary schools are enforcing the new rule to ensure families can “cycle, walk or scoot happily and safely” to and from school.
But exemptions will apply for emergency services, people with medical needs and blue badge holders as well as residents and businesses within the restricted areas.
Vehicles on certain roads in Wiltshire, south west England, will be monitored using Automatic Number Plate Regulation (ANPR) cameras as part of the School Streets pilot.
Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, Fynamore Primary School in Calne, Minster Primary School in Warminster and Queen’s Crescent Primary School in Chippenham have volunteered to be part of the scheme, which will start on September 4.
“School Streets are about creating safer, calmer environments for children and families at the busiest times of the school day,” Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said.
Although the exact times will vary between schools, the restrictions will only be in place for short periods of time at the beginning and end of the school day.
“The introduction of School Streets is going to ensure that the roads stay safe around our school and families are able to cycle, walk or scoot happily and safely,” Head teacher at Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, Tom Mullins, told the BBC.
The scheme is designed to improve safety, reduce congestion and encourage more walking and cycling, Wiltshire Council said.
The schemes will be introduced under Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs), which will come into effect on 4 September 2026.
People will have 18 months to share their views as part of the ETRO process before a decision is made on whether the schemes should be made permanent.
Staverton Primary School and Emmaus School in Staverton were also originally part of the consultation, but after concerns were raised about access for carers and deliveries, these schools will not be taken forward at this time. All schools taking part in the pilot have volunteered to do so.
