The ‘School Streets’ initiative in partnership with Sustrans charity was introduced in four schools around the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area in spring last year.

The trial saw roads directly outside the schools closed to motorised traffic each day throughout the school week at peak drop-off and pick-up times, with exceptions made for residents living within the closed road and blue badge holders.

The results were very encouraging with an 11.5 per cent rise in parents and carers opting to leave their cars at home and either walk, cycle or scoot and 92 per cent requesting the scheme be introduced on a full-time basis.

Around 80 per cent of those surveyed also revealed they felt much safer outside their respective schools during the period the pilot was rolled out.

Cllr Millie Earl, BCP Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for Connected Communities, said: “We’re delighted the School Streets pilot has been so successful and popular with our participating schools, parents and children. “

You can find out more about BCP Council’s Transforming Travel programme online.