School streets: Francis Baily Primary School (Academy)

Proposal and consultation

You can view all consultation details, including background information, the proposed scheme, consultation results and what we did by clicking the button below.

Consultation - results published
 

Implementing the scheme

Introduction

The School Streets initiative at Francis Baily school was introduced in September 2023 (following on from the success of the Calcot School Street initiative), to make the journey to school safer and more enjoyable for our children. By limiting vehicle access during peak school hours, the initiative aims to create a safer and more pleasant environment, encouraging our kids to walk or cycle to school.
 

Phases and enforcement

The project was rolled out in two phases, starting in September 2023 under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), a six-week public consultation followed. Initially, the scheme required drivers to self-regulate by observing the signage, but many drivers ignored the restrictions. The consultation has concluded the scheme will be made permanent but the enforcement of the restriction using an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera, will be introduced to improve compliance within the restriction.
 

Positive results

Since the introduction of the speed indication devices (SID) along the A4 Bath Road, it has been reported that vehicles have reduced their speed and been more considerate during the main drop-off and pick-up times (08.30 to 08.45 and 15.15 to 15.30), making school journey much safer.

You can see in the tables below that during from Monday, 6 November to Friday, 10 November, the percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit during the time the scheme was active, is greatly reduced.
 

% of vehicles travelling faster than the 30mph speed limit

Education and penalties

The restricted area will be enforced by use of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), the date for installation has not yet been confirmed. Our School Streets Awareness Course is available for anyone to complete, which explains the importance of the initiative.
 

Supporting measures

As part of the school streets programme the scheme is bolstered by several measures: 

• bikeability cycle training and push-scooter training to encourage safe cycling and scooting
• increased cycle and scooter storage at the school
• park-and-stride schemes at Dunstan Green Park and Old Blue Coats school to promote safe walking routes (see map below)
• pedestrian crossing adjustments, priority timings to co-inside with the School Street scheme 
• A4 Bath Road, speed data monitoring
• pedestrian railings and parking restriction reviews on nearby roads to improve safety and traffic flow

Pupils have created a colourful and informative Park and Stride map [26MB] showing the two locations, which are both within an easy 8-minute walk to the school's entrances. Parking at these locations helps reduce congestion and improves safety around the school gates, creating a better environment for children arriving on foot, by scooter, or bike. Pupils will receive a copy of the map through the schools, and copies are also available from the Thatcham Town Council Offices in Brownsfield Road, Thatcham, RG18 3HF.

Conclusion

Supported by educational measures and complementary programmes, this initiative will create a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone. The continued efforts and community support are key to sustaining and expanding these benefits.

By working together, we can ensure that our children have a safe and enjoyable journey to school. Thank you for your support.

The School Street scheme process was finalised on 3 December 2024 and the implementation is complete. The following documents outline the legal processes to support the Experimental Traffic Regulations Order becoming a permanent one.

• Traffic Regulation Order Explanatory Plan [182KB]
• Experimental Traffic Regulation Order  [99KB]
• Experimental Order Statement of Reasons [121KB]
• Notice of Making Permanent Order [157KB]
• Permanent Traffic Regulation Order [153KB]

Contact us

If you have any questions about School Streets, you can contact us by email at activetravel@westberks.gov.uk, in writing to the Transport and Road Safety Team or by phone on 01635 519080.