We petition Bristol City Council to implement a School Street for Ashton Gate Primary School on Upton Road as a matter of urgency. 

What is a school street? 

A School Street is a road outside a school with a temporary restriction on motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times. The restriction applies to school traffic and through traffic. Exemptions are granted to residents and businesses living or working within the street and to blue badge holders. 

The result is a safer, healthier and pleasant environment for everyone. There are lots all around the UK, but only two schemes in Bristol. 

Why do this? 3 reasons: 

Make space for Social Distancing 

Now, more than ever owing to the Covid-19 crisis, we need safe space on the streets outside schools. There is currently little space for social distancing outside the KS2 site on Upton Road, with parents & carers having to use narrow, congested pavements. A school street will make more space available for families dropping and collecting their children. 

Increase safety 

There are problems with traffic parking and turning on Upton Road which is putting children at risk. Near misses have been reported with turning vehicles encroaching on the pavements, and creating conflict with parents, carers and pupils. A school street would be a safer street. 

Improve air quality 

Vehicles and idling engines outside Ashton Gate emit fumes that are harmful to health. Last year the government published a Review of Interventions to Improve Outdoor Air Quality and Public Health. The report confirms that our children’s long-term health is at risk. Their lung development is particularly at risk with damage that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Pollution worsens asthma, and increases risks of allergies. It impacts on the brain by reducing attentiveness and memory. It has been linked to depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorder, stroke, type-2 diabetes and dementia later in life, as well as raising the risk of heart disease. A school street has cleaner air, that is safer to breathe and is a more pleasant environment for everyone. 

Thank for your support.

Parents - Bethan Grant, Simon King, Ellie Freeman

Executive Head Teacher, Ashton Gate - Mr Gareth Jones