New scheme introduced to keep public safe outside Walsall schools

A new scheme around making the roads outside schools safer has been launched in Walsall.

Three new School Street schemes have been introduced outside schools across the borough, helping to create safer roads for children and families during school drop-off and pick-up times.

School Streets temporarily restrict vehicle access on roads outside or near schools during the busiest periods of the school day.

Walsall Council said the aim is to reduce traffic and congestion around school entrances and create safer environments for children and families travelling to and from school. The schemes also encourage walking, scooting and cycling for school journeys.

The three new schemes build on 10 School Street schemes already operating at primary schools across the borough and are now in operation at the following schools.

• St John's Primary School in Walsall Wood – Brook Lane, between Brookland Road and Laburnum Road. Restrictions will operate Monday to Friday during term time, from 8.15am to 9.15am and 3pm to 4pm.
• Blue Coat Infant School in Walsall – Hanch Place. Restrictions will operate Monday to Friday during term time, from 8am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm.
• Pelsall Village School in Pelsall – School Lane, Old Town Lane between St Margaret's Road and Clarendon Place, and Clarendon Place. Restrictions will operate Monday to Friday during term time, from 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm.

Councillor Nicky Barker, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said, "School drop-off and pick-up times can be particularly busy around school entrances, with a large number of children and vehicles using the same roads at the same time.

"These schemes are designed to give children and families a safer environment at the busiest times of the school day, while also helping to reduce congestion and encourage more active journeys to school.”

The schemes will initially operate as Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders for a maximum of 18 months.

During the first six months, residents, parents, school staff and other stakeholders will be able to provide feedback, which will help determine whether the schemes should remain in place, be amended or removed.

Residents who live within one of the School Street zones can apply for a free permit through the council. General enquiries about the schemes can be made to the Permanent and Temporary Traffic Management Team on 01922 650000 or by emailing [email protected].

Anyone found driving in a School Street during restricted times without an exemption will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), with a charge of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days of the date of the notice.

Residents can give their views of the new School Streets until Monday, March 1 2027 at the Walsall Council website.