Two more schools in the Bradford district have made their trial School Streets permanent. Wilsden Primary School and Girlington Primary School have both confirmed that their School Streets will remain in place following an 18‑month experimental period that began in September 2024.
School Streets create car‑free spaces around schools during the busiest times of the day, intending to improve safety, reduce congestion, cut air pollution and encourage more families to walk or cycle at least part of the journey to school.
A School Street restricts vehicle access near a school during drop‑off and pick‑up times. After a successful trial, the schemes at Wilsden and Girlington are now being converted into permanent measures. Their addition brings the total number of permanent School Streets across the Bradford district to ten.
When a School Street is introduced, parents and carers are encouraged to leave the car at home and walk, scoot or cycle with their children where possible. Those who must drive are asked to park safely and considerately on quieter streets a short distance away and walk the final part of the journey. Restrictions apply only during term time and at times linked to the start and end of the school day, with signs at entry points notifying drivers of the timed controls.
Some vehicles — including those belonging to residents and businesses within the School Street — will receive permits allowing access. Certain vehicles are exempt, such as emergency services, utility providers attending emergency calls, and blue badge holders when their destination is within the zone.
Councillor Alex Ross‑Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “I’m really pleased that another two schools in the district have seen the benefits of this scheme and are making their School Streets permanent. School Streets help to make the streets outside schools feel safer, calmer and more people-friendly. “I want to thank those who have embraced the scheme by adjusting the way they travel. With quieter streets during school pick-up and drop-off times, children will be able to walk, scoot and cycle to and from school in a safer and healthier environment.”
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “Fewer cars in the area directly outside schools will help to reduce exhaust emissions and improve air quality. These schemes also encourage more people to get active by walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling for at least part of the journey to school.”
Liz Davison, Executive Headteacher at Wilsden Primary School, said: “Our School Street has gone from a challenging adjustment to a real community success. Although families initially had to rethink travel routines and parking habits, the benefits have quickly become clear. “Congestion has reduced, making the area around the school calmer and easier to navigate. Dangerous driving and parking have dropped, creating a much safer environment on Tweedy Street. Air and noise pollution are lower, thanks to fewer idling engines. Children now arrive in a safer, healthier, happier space. Walking, cycling, wheeling and scooting have increased, helping families build more active habits. “The success of the School Street is a testament to the adaptability and goodwill of families, staff, and local residents. What started as a trial has become a valued part of daily life — a change that protects children, improves health, and strengthens the sense of community around the school.”
Kathryn Swales, Headteacher at Girlington Primary School, said: “Before we implemented the school streets, the environment outside school was chaotic and unsafe, this had a negative effect on learning. Now the street outside feels calm and safe, which makes a huge difference to the start and the end of the day for both parents and their children.”
More information on School Streets can be found at: www.bradford.gov.uk/schoolstreets
