School Streets: guidance for local authorities - Case study: Fairfield Primary School

In September 2020 Vale of Glamorgan Council commissioned Sustrans to address road safety issues at Fairfield Primary School, in Penarth. 

The scope was to make the streets around the school safer for walking, wheeling and cycling. 

Workshops took place with school staff, pupils, parents and residents. They agreed a list of improvements, including: 

• a timed closure (School Street) on Dryden Road
• introducing a one-way system outside the school
• widening the footway
• planting a rain garden along the length of the street.

As part of consultation with the community on School Streets, the road outside Fairfield School was transformed into a Play Street.

For an initial 1-week trial in October 2021, the road was temporarily closed to traffic before school pick-up. This allowed children to play, walk, wheel, cycle and scoot home in safety.

It also helped parents and residents experience the benefits of temporary road closures and ask questions about the scheme.

Sustrans co-ordinated engagement with the school and neighbours. Play Wales provided traffic management equipment, while Vale of Glamorgan’s Play Development Team provided play equipment and staff to help with stewarding. 

The integration of play and active travel initiatives creates a safe and engaging environment for children, encouraging families to walk, wheel, or cycle to school. This holistic approach not only promotes physical activity but also advances a sense of community and ownership of the local streets. 

The initial pilot project has been a success, offering valuable insights.

On Dryden Road, 81% of residents said they supported the School Street.

I’m glad that there is a one-way system being put in place […] to stop congestion around the area.” - local resident

I’m really enthusiastic of all measures suggested. They are a great opportunity to change the current, not ideal situation.” - Dryden Road resident

The School Street has transformed the area into a safer and more welcoming environment. 

The initial trial, led by Sustrans along with the local authority and school staff, accumulated primarily positive feedback from residents, parents, and school staff.

During the trial period, issues such as traffic displacement and inconsiderate parking were effectively managed through the increased presence of the local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and traffic enforcement officer. 

Consistent communication with parents and carers was also crucial, facilitated by the school through various channels including in-person drop-in sessions, information leaflets, and emails. Pupils' voices were also considered, as they collaborated closely with Sustrans to express their views on the desired street improvements. This comprehensive approach ensured that the trial period was successful in addressing key concerns and incorporating valuable feedback from the school community.

Sustrans worked with the local authority to secure capital funding through the Safe Routes in Communities fund, and the caretaker and headteacher successfully staffed the closure point from April to October 2023, limiting traffic during this period.

In addition to the trials, improvements have been implemented on Dryden Road to enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability. 

One of the key additions is the installation of rain gardens, also known as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs). These gardens provide a natural approach to managing flood and pollution risks by absorbing and filtering rainwater, minimising the risk of flooding. 

Additionally, a one-way system has been introduced to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, enhancing overall road safety. 

A permanent timed closure on Dryden Road further contributes to pedestrian safety by restricting vehicular access during peak hours, allowing parents and children to walk, wheel or cycle without traffic. 

Layout improvements and footway widening have been carried out to improve accessibility for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities. These enhancements ensure that the street is more inclusive for all users. 

Collectively, these interventions create a safer, more sustainable, and accessible urban environment for the community.

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The challenges of staffing the closure point, and the increasing number of cars entering the street during the timed closures, have highlighted the need for automated enforcement.

Cameras are due to be installed in autumn 2025. 

This process has strengthened the local authority’s commitment to creating safer, more accessible streets for everyone.

You can read more about Fairfield Primary Community Street Design project and the School Street.