Schools & Education · Wiltshire-wide
Wiltshire school run traffic pilot: What you need to know
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Wiltshire Council is trialling new traffic restrictions outside four schools across the county to improve safety and reduce congestion during drop-off and pick-up times.
A new pilot scheme aimed at reducing traffic outside school gates has launched across Wiltshire, with initial reports suggesting a positive impact on road safety and the environment. The School Streets initiative, which began on 4 September, uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to restrict through-traffic in areas surrounding four specific primary schools during the start and end of the school day in term time.
The trial sites currently subject to the restrictions are:
Aloeric Primary School, Melksham
Fynamore Primary School, Calne
Minster Primary School, Warminster
Queen's Crescent Primary School, Chippenham
The scheme is being delivered under Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs). This allows Wiltshire Council to manage the closures in a live environment while gathering data and feedback from parents, local businesses, and nearby residents over the next 18 months. By limiting vehicle access, the council aims to encourage walking, cycling, and scooting, helping pupils reach the school gates in a safer, less congested environment.
Lindsay Fry, Executive Headteacher at Aloeric Primary School, noted that the change has already led to a visible shift in school-run habits. She highlighted that families are increasingly choosing active travel methods, noting that the school's bike and scooter parking facilities are seeing high levels of usage. Beyond safety improvements, the council and school leadership anticipate benefits in air quality and reduced noise pollution, as well as a decrease in common local frustrations such as inconsiderate parking and blocked residential driveways.
Enforcement and Exemptions
While the ANPR cameras are now operational, officials have confirmed a period of grace during the initial weeks of the trial to allow residents and regular commuters to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements. During this period, the council will not be issuing fixed penalty notices for minor infractions, though drivers are advised that dropping off or collecting children from school is not considered a valid reason for entry during operational hours.
Certain exemptions remain in place to ensure essential access is maintained. These include:
Emergency service vehicles
Residents living within the restricted zones
Businesses located directly within the designated zones
Individuals with specific, defined accessibility needs
The council intends to use the feedback gathered during this 18-month experimental window to assess the long-term viability of the School Streets project. Residents and parents are encouraged to remain aware of local signage, as operational times are tailored to the individual schedules of each participating school.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Calne · View original