Some drivers will be banned from parking outside of schools from next month as a council launches a new safety scheme.
Parents and carers of children outside several schools in Wiltshire will not be able to park outside the schools from September.
The new rules will apply to pick-up and drop-off times as part of the School Streets pilot, which will begin on September 4.
Vehicles will be monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to ensure that children are kept safe when arriving and leaving school.
School Streets have become more popular in recent years as local authorities aim to crack down on vehicles operating dangerously.
It also aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle and active travel to schools for families, which helps to tackle air pollution rates.
The trial in Wiltshire will operate at Fynamore Primary School (Calne), Minster CofE Primary School (Warminster), Queen’s Crescent Primary School (Chippenham) and Aloeric Primary School (Melksham).
It has been confirmed that Staverton Primary School and Emmaus School in Staverton will not be part of the trial.
Vehicles will be banned from streets around Wiltshire through new School Streets measures
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GETTY
This comes after concerns were raised about access for carers and deliveries, in addition to a revised local proposal to reduce traffic on surrounding roads.
Wiltshire Council stated that it would explore “other highway and safety improvements, with the option to revisit the site in future”.
Certain exemptions will exist for pre-agreed school transport, such as school buses and licensed school taxis, although this must be arranged with the school in advance.
As with other School Streets and most road schemes, emergency service vehicles will be automatically exempt.
School Streets have become more popular in recent years
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OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Some people will also be able to apply for an exemption permit to travel through the zone at any time.
This includes Blue Badge holders, residents who live in a School Streets zone, business owners or employees of a business in a School Streets zone, members of school staff and residents or school users with a medical need.
Residents or school users with a medical need must have their application supported by written confirmation from either the school or a medical professional.
Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, praised the scheme for making roads safer for children and other pedestrians.
He said: “Introducing the schemes through ETROs gives people the opportunity to experience how they work in practice and share their views over an extended period.
“Feedback gathered during the trial will play an important role in helping us decide whether these measures should become permanent.”

