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Residents' views sought on school safety scheme

Daniel Mumby
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Getty Images A young blonde girl in a blue gingham school dress, carrying a blue book bag with a matching ribbon in her hair. She is holding her father's hand as they walk together along the pavement beside a patch of grass and a brick wall.Getty Images
Frome is the first area in Somerset to trial the safety zones

Residents are being asked to share their views on an ongoing scheme designed to make it safer for children to walk and cycle to school.

The Frome Safer School Street scheme has been running since April 2024. Roads around the western part of the Somerset town are now subject to 20mph speed limits and closed to vehicles during pick-up and drop-off times.

The 18-month operational trial period for the scheme - which is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) - is due to expire at the end of October.

Frome Town Council will hold a public meeting at Oakfield Academy on 14 May to discuss whether the changes should become permanent.

Daniel Mumby Oakfield Academy In Frome. It is a long brick building with sash windows and a car park in front.Daniel Mumby
A public meeting will be held at Oakfield Academy, where one of the Safer School Street zones is in place

The Safer School Street zones include the areas surrounding Oakfield Academy, Trinity First School, Critchill School and Avanti Park School.

It aims to provide a "safer, healthier and pleasant environment for everyone", with less congestion, better air quality and pupils being encouraged to have a more healthy lifestyle, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Daniel Mumby An informal crossing area outside Oakfield Academy. It is a thick yellow strip of paint across the road and extending up onto the pavement, lined with black tarmac on either side. Daniel Mumby
New road markings and crossings have been installed to control traffic and improve safety

The public consultation event will be attended by town council and Somerset Council representatives, along with officials from the government's active travel charity Sustrans.

"This scheme was designed in collaboration with the local community," said Matt Winfield, Sustrans' chief operating officer.

"It is really important that we check back in with residents to make sure that Frome's Safer School Streets scheme is enabling more children to walk, wheel and cycle to school more often."

Frome Town Council Three people standing beside a road outside a school. They are wearing winter coats and smiling at the camera, with their hands clasped in front of them.Frome Town Council
Town Councillor Carla Collenette (R) has appealed for residents to share their views

Town councillor Carla Collenette added: "We hope lots of people can join us on 14 May or at the pop-up events and complete the online survey.

"The more respondents, the better and more complete the overall picture, so please do take the time to tell us your experience."

The Oakfield Academy event will be held from 17:00 until 18:30 BST.

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