A pilot scheme run at a Rhyl school to reduce air pollution, carbon emissions from travel and improve road safety has produced positive results.
The School Streets project saw a temporary road closure outside Ysgol Llywelyn between 8.30am and 9.15am and 2.30pm and 3.30pm. The closure ran between March 22 and 26 and April 12 and 16
The closure affected Trellywelyn Road from its junction with Grosvenor Avenue to its junction with Thornley Avenue and Weaver Avenue from its junction with Trellywelyn Road to its junction with Westminster Avenue and Handsworth Crescent.
Access was maintained for Blue Badge holders and residents who live within the affected lengths of the temporary closure.
A survey carried out on the projects efforts to improve air quality from stopping vehicles idling outside the school and safety around the site has heralded positive feedback towards the temporary scheme from local residents and parents and guardians.
Views on the environmental side of the project from parents included:
- ‘So many people park on the pavement for drop offs, some right outside the gates too. It's hard to still distance from others outside school, especially when people have prams/strollers to get through. It was welcome to not have all the car fumes around the gates whilst the closures were on.’
- ‘So nice to have less traffic around the school. It has encouraged me to change to walking my daughter to school. Noticeably less pollution, and it feels safer.
Comments received from residents and parents regarding the safety aspect of the project included:
- ‘Closing the roads made me feel that my child was much safer walking to and from school’
- ‘Thank you for considering the options on this unsafe part of the road during drop off and pick up.’
- ‘When people park across the foot paths it makes it very risky having to walk children in the roads to be able to pass the cars to which also have so many people.’
Cllr Brian Jones, Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We are grateful to parents, local residents and business for giving valuable feedback on the School Streets project at Ysgol Llywelyn. It has been good to hear positive views on the safety and well-being improvement for the children and also the impact on reducing air pollution and carbon emissions around the school site.”
“Improving safety measures around schools for our young people and reducing Carbon emissions are a priority for the Council and this is one of a number of projects that can help you achieve this. I’d like to thank parents and nearby residents for their understanding during this pilot scheme.”