A scheme which aims to restrict traffic around schools and improve safety is set to be introduced as part of Bath and North East Somerset council’s budget.

School Streets schemes limit traffic around schools during drop-off and pick-up times in order to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and create safer environments for children.

The councils new budget includes £87,000 for the scheme to run at three primary schools.

For the last two years, the Greens proposed a School Street in the budget and claim they were told it would cost £200,000 for a single scheme - leading to their proposal being rejected twice.

Councillor Saskia Heijltjes (Green, Lambridge) said: “We are very happy that B&NES Council will see the first set of school streets implemented in the coming year - it’s an important step towards providing families with a safer, healthier, and less polluted area around the school gates.”

Cllr Joanna Wright (Leader, Greens) said: "Parents and children have been waiting far too long for school streets. We are pleased that our calls have been listened to.”

However, the Greens are concerned the scheme’s impact may be minimal, covering schools in cul-de-sacs or on one-way streets. They are calling for full transparency from the council on the strategy, including a delivery programme.

Cllr Sarah Warren, deputy leader at B&NES Council, said: "Bath and North East Somerset Council has already committed £250,000 to developing the School Streets programme via the CAZ reserve in last year's budget. Announced in the 2025/26 Budget, the School Streets programme has been further boosted by £87,000 to allow us to deliver as many schemes as possible.

“We have met with the shortlisted schools that have expressed an interest in the scheme and will be undertaking further design and feasibility work shortly. Full details will be published in the following weeks.”