St Thomas' Primary School in Heaton Chapel will soon trial a 'school street', which would create a temporary pedestrian and cycling zone on the street outside the school, restricting motor vehicle access at peak times.  

General traffic will therefore have no access to the road around school opening and closing times; the council states that the aim is to support active travel and promote cleaner air.  

A statement on their website encourages parents to "leave the car at home and either walk, cycle, or scoot to school".  

Acknowledging that this may not be possible for some, the council clarified that permit holders and other essential groups such as carers and emergency services will have access.  

Those who do not fall into this category but who still wish to drive are encouraged by the council to drive carefully, park away from the school street, and to be considerate and legal in how and where they choose to park.  

The trial will begin from 15 May and will continue until 26 July 2023.  

In this period, between 8.30am and 9am, the following roads will be closed: 

• Buckingham Road from the junction of the A6 to the junction of Chandos Road.
• Buckingham Road from the junction with Peel Moat Road.
• Brownsville Road from the junction of Buckingham Road to Clarence Road.
• Tatton Road North between Buckingham Road to Clarence Road.

The council adds: "In the afternoon, the Buckingham Road closure from the junction of the A6 to the junction of Chandos Road will be closed between 3pm to 3.30pm.

"The remaining three other closures on the west side of the railway will be closed between 3.10pm and 3.40pm. [...]

"There will be no vehicle access or exit at the junction of the A6 and Buckingham Road during the road closure times."

The school street will not be in action during half term (29 May to 9 June 2023).

The scheme came about following a recent consultation. At the end of the trial period, there will be a further public consultation to determine the future of the school street.  

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