More than 200 pupils in Leeds have become the latest local youngsters to benefit from a scheme that makes journeys to and from school safer, healthier and more enjoyable.

School Streets create a safer and more pleasant environment for children and families by restricting motorised traffic and turning the space outside school gates into a pedestrian and cyclist-only zone during pick-up and drop-off times.

A total of 15 schools in Leeds have previously signed up to the scheme, which aims to ease traffic congestion and tackle poor air quality while also improving safety.

Now two more – Ireland Wood Primary and St Bartholomew’s Primary – have followed suit.

And last week, a celebration event was held at Ireland Wood Primary School to mark the introduction of its new School Street on Raynel Gardens.

Leeds City Council’s new safe and sustainable travel mascot, Arlo the Owl, named by pupils from the school, guided pupils from the Park and Stride location at High Farm car park, across the new School Street, showcasing the benefits of a vehicle-free environment.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: 

‘I’m thrilled to see two more schools joining the School Streets programme in Leeds this year, as it continues to make a significant difference in promoting road safety and sustainability in local communities. With just over 30%  of primary school children in Leeds still driven to school, the school run contributes to congestion, pollution, and increased road safety risks around schools.

School Streets are a key part of our commitment to Vision Zero, the council’s ambition to eliminate serious and fatal road injuries by 2040. By creating safer, vehicle-free spaces, we’re making the journey to school healthier for children and their families. This initiative aligns with our vision of making Leeds a city where you don’t need a car.’

Ian Blackburn, Headteacher at Ireland Wood Primary School, said:

‘We are really pleased to have a School Street so our pupils can travel safely and actively to and from school.

Reducing traffic around school during peak times will help to improve road safety and encourage more families to choose active modes of travel like walking, cycling, wheeling and scooting. This initiative supports us to promote healthy lifestyles and foster independence for our pupils.’

Last year, 28,955 school children across Leeds participated in 596 sessions that the council’s road safety trainers delivered to promote safe and sustainable travel.

Safe behaviours and people are at the heart of the Vision Zero Strategy and is one of five key themes. The other themes are safe roads, safe speeds, post collision care and safe vehicles. To achieve Vision Zero everyone needs to play their part and travel safely. A pledge to play a part in eliminating road deaths can be signed here.