Curledge Street Academy in Paignton is the first school in Torbay to benefit from the School Street scheme.

With school buildings on both sides of the road and narrow pavements, our Highways and Transport teams were asked to consider, under the Academy’s ‘Back to School’ risk assessment, the option of using the carriageway area for pedestrians, and banning vehicles during certain parts of the day to assist with social distancing at school drop-off and pick-up times.

With effect from Monday 7 September, a Traffic Regulation Order was put in place to prevent vehicles entering Curledge Street from Mid Vale Road between 8:30am and 9:30am and 2:30pm and 3:30pm. The restrictions do not prevent vehicles from entering Curledge Street from anywhere to the west of the school and exiting via Fisher Street.

Councillor, Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Servies, Torbay Council, said: “Our Highways and Transport teams have been working with local education providers on their plans to get all pupils back to school safely this September.

“We have been investigating School Street schemes for some time, with a view to implementing some in the future. As a result of a request by Curledge Street Academy and COVID-19 we were asked to consider implementing the scheme sooner rather than later. The introduction of this School Street will be the first of its kind within Torbay, with more sites also under consideration”.

Signs notifying pedestrians and motorists will be in place during the road closure times.

School Streets are also being considered at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School and Roselands Primary School, both in Paignton.

To ensure the safety of school pupils, all parents and carers are reminded to park safely and legally. For more information on driving to and parking at school visit the driving to school page.

What is School Streets?

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. The result is a safer, healthier and pleasant environment for all. Find out more at schoolstreets.org.uk.