Six primaries and secondaries participated in a trial to restrict traffic on the roads around their sites at either end of the school day.

English Martyrs Primary School, Seymour Park Primary School, Tyntesfield Primary School, Urmston Primary School, Stretford High School and Urmston Grammar School all participated in the 'School Streets' trial in partnership with OneTrafford – the collaboration between Amey PLC and Trafford Council responsible for our roads – and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Over the course of two weeks last month, these six primaries and secondaries were able to restrict traffic on the roads around their sites to the vehicles driven by businesses, residents and those with blue badges for disabilities at either end of the school day.

The aim was to allow people to take their children to school by cycling, walking or wheeling in traffic-free surroundings, with a positive impact on their health and safety and on the environment. The first to participate in a 'School Streets' trial was Flixton Primary School last year.

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Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council's executive member for highways, environmental and traded services, said: "We are committed to reducing the numbers of cars around schools and making these streets a safe environment for our children and young people. At some schools at drop off and pick up times there are too many cars trying to squeeze down a cul-de-sac which is not a safe environment."

Cllr Adshead added: "Temporarily pedestrianising the area makes it a considerably calmer and less dangerous experience for everyone. I hope as many people as possible will join and even go beyond by cycling and walking for short everyday trips."

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Trials are expected to continue at these schools and Moorlands Primary School and St Vincent's Primary School are expected to become involved too. The aim is to them for become permanent subject to the collection of data and to a consultation with the community.

For information, go to trafford.gov.uk/residents/transport-and-streets/road-safety/School-Streets.aspx. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.