Car Free School Street – Langley First School
Dear Parent
Car Free School Street – Langley First School
Most schools experience traffic-related issues at the start and end of the school day and Langley First School is no exception. This creates an unsafe and unhealthy environment for children.
North Tyneside Council aims to address this by trialling some ‘School Streets’ in partnership with local schools. These involve providing space for children and parents to walk and cycle to the school gates by restricting access to motor vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times.
To create a safer and healthier environment for children, we would ask that people walk, cycle or scoot to school where possible. If that is not possible, please park at least a five-minute walk from the school gate. Please note that the Cauldwell lane car park is free to use, but the neighbouring Medical Centre car park is not to be used.
Included with this letter is a map of the area which shows pedestrian crossings and a ‘park and stride’ route (see overleaf for details). It also indicates ten and fifteen-minute walking zones.
Active travel has several health benefits, and the installation of School Streets also reduces air pollution and enables social distancing. The schemes have the support of the schools and have proved very popular and effective elsewhere in the country.
A trial School Street for Langley First School is proposed on an 18-month basis, with regular evaluation as it progresses. The exact start date will be posted on lampposts and shown on signage prior to the start of the scheme, but it is expected to be in place by Monday 22nd February 2021.
The following restrictions are proposed on school days:
- WHERE: Canberra Avenue, from the back lane near Seatonville Road to the school
Elmfield Gardens, between Canberra Avenue and Langley Avenue
(see map overleaf)
- WHEN: Monday to Friday, 08:15 – 09:15, term time only
During these times, most motor vehicles will not be able to drive into the road covered by this restriction. Overleaf is a map showing the road where this restriction will apply. Signage will be in place at the entrances to the restricted zone.
The two ends of the School Street will be blocked by cones which will be put out by school staff, but staff will allow access in and out for residents of houses in the zone. We have asked residents to avoid these times where they can and, if not, to drive as slowly as possible as it will otherwise be a pedestrian and cycle zone.
In the future, afternoon pick-up restrictions at this location will also be considered.
The school is working in partnership with North Tyneside council on this scheme. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Go Smarter team at gosmarter@northtyneside.gov.uk or write to Go Smarter, Sustainable Transport, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant West, The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY.
More information can be found at https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/school-streets
Thank you for helping to keep our school children safer and healthier.
