Safer routes to school

We are committed to delivering a rolling scheme of improvements to all schools in North Northamptonshire.

A safer route to school scheme provides engineering to:

  • improve safety
  • improve accessibility
  • encourage more children to walk or cycle to school
  • improve air quality in and around the school area
  • reduce traffic congestion

How the scheme works

Each school’s local area is assessed to identify current road safety issues and decide upon appropriate action.

This could include:

  • 20mph zone with traffic calming
  • vehicle message signs
  • safer crossing points - zebra or signal controlled
  • new or extended lengths of footway
  • cycle facilities
  • enhanced signing, lining and guard railing in the area
  • school travel plan and action group
  • on-school site cycle storage facilities
  • walking buses or cycle trains
  • educational awareness activities

Due to budget constraints, it could take several years to complete the programme of works. However, nearly 200 schools have already benefitted from the scheme.

Consultation

The involvement of the school community is a vital part of the process. Consultation is carried out on a local basis for each scheme and schools are involved early in the planning stage.

Local councillors are consulted on the principles of schemes in their ward.

Further consultation is then carried out with:

  • emergency services
  • children and parents of the school
  • the wider local community

Formal consultation follows when an order is required for things like pedestrian crossings or parking restrictions.

Contact us

For further information please contact the School Travel team.

Last updated 08 June 2023