School to adopt traffic restrictions after trial

A Plymouth primary school has said it will make traffic restrictions during busy times permanent after a successful trial.

Stuart Road Primary Academy will become the first in the city to permanently adopt the Safer School Streets measures following an 18-month trial.

The rules are designed to encourage families to walk, scooter or cycle to school by closing roads in the morning and afternoon.

Headteacher Britta Nicholls said the move highlighted the school's commitment to "healthy lifestyles" by encouraging daily exercise.

She said families benefited from "reduced air pollution" and it made the school journey more social, as people could walk in groups.

The number of children being driven to the school has dropped by 45%, according to charity Sustrans which organised the scheme in partnership with Plymouth City Council.

Councillor John Stephens, the council's walking and cycling champion, said the scheme was "a great way to reduce congestion and improve air quality around the school gates".

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