West Midlands to Launch 'Kids Streets' Pilot for Safer School Journeys
A major initiative aimed at boosting child safety and encouraging healthier travel habits is set to be introduced across the West Midlands. The project, dubbed 'Kids Streets', will see pilot schemes rolled out in the coming months, with the goal of creating safer environments for children commuting to and from school.
Inspired by Parisian Model
West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner Beccy Marston and Road Safety Commissioner Mat MacDonald are spearheading the effort, drawing inspiration from the successful School Streets program in Paris. The plan involves implementing car-free zones around schools during peak drop-off and pick-up times.
Beccy Marston stated, "We hopefully will be piloting something, some concept designs for that in the next couple of months. We're starting off looking at Birmingham and potentially Coventry."
Key Measures and Benefits
The 'Kids Streets' initiative will include a range of measures to enhance road safety and reduce congestion. These may involve:
- Restricting vehicle movements on roads surrounding schools
- Installing new pedestrian crossings
- Creating temporary car bans during busy periods
Mat MacDonald expressed enthusiasm for the project, adding, "We are really excited to bring this forward in the next year where we are hoping to have some spades in the ground by the end of the year."
Beyond improving child safety, the commissioners highlighted additional advantages for parents, such as saving money on fuel and reclaiming time otherwise spent in traffic. The scheme also aims to promote active travel options like walking and cycling among young people.
Pilot Locations and Timeline
The initial pilots are expected to launch within the next few months, with Birmingham and Coventry identified as potential starting points. The initiative represents a significant step towards creating healthier, more sustainable communities in the West Midlands.
