MORE road closures are still yet to come into force under a scheme to create extra space at school gates, despite pupils having already returned.

The School Streets project aims to encourage parents and pupils to walk or cycle to school and promote social distancing.

Last month the city council published a list of 14 schools which had agreed to take part as they reopen this month, but so far road closures have only been introduced outside six.

READ MORE: 'It feels risky' - worried parent says road closure is needed for school drop-off

These are St Luke’s Primary, Downs Infant School, West Hove Infant School in Connaught Annex, Brunswick Primary, St Margaret’s CE Primary and Saltdean Primary.

Lead member for transport Pete West said: “I’m so pleased School Streets is now in Brighton and Hove and I would like to thank all those parent and carer volunteers giving up their time to support such an important project.

The Argus: Councillor Pete West. Photo: Nick Ford PhotographyCouncillor Pete West. Photo: Nick Ford Photography

“School Streets is working successfully in London and this will support the safe reopening of our schools. Hopefully we will see more schools taking part in the future.

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“Active and sustainable travel has short and long-term benefits to our health and environment and I would encourage all parents and carers to consider walking, cycling or scooting to school wherever possible.”

“We are working with schools on what works best for them and ensure the proper training takes place, which may mean variations in roll-out times.”

Road closures are still due to take place at Downs Junior School, Fairlight Primary, Hove Junior School in Portland Road, Moulsecoomb Primary, St Nicolas CE Primary, Stanford Infant and West Hove Infant School in Portland Road.

The Argus:

Carden Primary School was among the original 14 schools where road closures were due to take place, but was removed from the list yesterday.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "Carden Primary School is currently unable to take part in the project.

"We hope the school will be able to in the future and we will do all we can to support them." 

Volunteers are still being recruited and trained to help with the road closures.

Katy Rodda, a parent volunteer at St Luke’s Primary School said: “It was great to get the training and I’m really looking forward to being part of the team.

"Our playgrounds can’t be used before school due to Covid-19 restrictions, so using the journey to be active before the day starts makes sense.”