A SCHEME to encourage more children to walk and cycle to and from school has been adopted by another primary school.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Portslade has become the latest addition to the city’s School Streets programme this week.

The scheme is intended to deter parents from using a car for the school run by closing roads close to the school gates.

From yesterday, Monday 9, pupils, parents, carers and staff at St Mary’s will be able to enjoy a safer journey to the school gate.

As part of the programme, unauthorised vehicles will be unable to access Vale Gardens between 8.15am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm during term time.

Residents will still be able to access their homes and access to the road will also be permitted to Blue Badge holders, emergency services, doctors and care visitors to residents in the street, business owners with premises in the street and contracted school transport.

A gate will be used to facilitate access to Vale Gardens for these groups.

A further five School Streets schools will be introduced this year. 

The public consultation last year showed that eight out of ten people were in support of the schemes being introduced.

Councillor Steve Davis, co-chairman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee said: “It’s great to see another School Streets being delivered in the city.

“We know that double parking and cars backing in and out of the road has been a problem at St Mary’s for a while, so this will make it safer for children as they arrive and leave each day. 

“While I understand the busy schedule of many parents, we have to consider the health and well-being of our children.

 “It’s also going to encourage more children, parents and carers to travel actively and sustainably to school. 

“We’re in the midst of a climate emergency and have to do more to reduce the number of journeys we make by car. 

“School Streets is the perfect opportunity to do this.”