Watercliffe Meadow Community Primary School are the first school in Sheffield to be trialling out Sheffield City Council’s new ‘School Streets,’ scheme.

The program aims to enhance safety and air quality by closing roads to traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committed said: “I remember just how tricky it can be dodging between parked cars to get there before that school bell rang.

“For another Sheffield school, this is now a thing in the past.”

Boynton Road is now closed to vehicles from 8:15 to 9:15 AM and 2:45 to 3:45 PM, Monday to Friday during term time.

Marshals will manage the closures with barriers and signs, and residents of these streets must apply for a permit to give them access during the closure times.

Road safety measures were first trialled at Watercliffe Meadow in July, due to on-going concerns about illegal parking and dangerous driving.

Parents and staff previously dealt with frequent arguments between drivers over right of way, which caused blockages and unsafe conditions.

Since the road closures began, locals have seen a safer and more peaceful environment around the school.

Parents and students can now walk or cycle to school without worrying about being endangered by traffic. 

Residents of Boynton Road reportedly ‘appreciate the reduced congestion’ and ‘quieter atmosphere’ outside their homes.

Watercliffe Meadow is the 16th school in Sheffield to adopt the School Streets approach.

Sheffield City Council has plans to introduce the scheme to even more schools in the coming months.