Proposals to make Calderdale school road closures permanent and expand them across the borough

Calderdale Council has said following positive feedback from schools and parents on the temporary road closures outside schools, the Council is proposing to make the ‘School Streets’ permanent.

It is consulting with Ward Councillors and working to get more schools on board for the new term in September.

According to the Council the borough's schools and parents have reported benefits including easier social distancing, safer walking and cycling, cleaner air and a more enjoyable environment.

The scheme was introduced to number of roads outside Calderdale schools in June.

Roads outside 14 Calderdale schools were closed to cars and other motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times.

No vehicles were allowed on certain streets at these times for up to six weeks, .

On launching the scheme Councillor Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “We are determined to give Calderdale’s children and young people the best possible start in life.

"A key part of this is to protect them from dangerous air pollution and help families to make healthy and sustainable travel choices.

"Recently we have enjoyed the many benefits of fewer vehicles on our roads. The School Streets scheme will encourage a healthier lifestyle and create a safer, cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone."