Decision details

The Southport School Street and School Neighbourhood Pilot comprising of Greenbank High School, Birkdale High School and Stanley High School has been the subject of intensive work with pupils and staff along with consultation with the wider school community and key stakeholders. This report sets out the work to date including the consultation results along with the next steps for each school which includes, the creation of two school streets at Birkdale High School / Greenbank High School and further engagement around the School Neighbourhood Project at Stanley High School.   

Decision(s):

(1)           The introduction of two pilot ‘School Streets’ on Windy Harbour Road adjacent to Birkdale High School and on Hastings Road adjacent to Greenbank High School be approved

(2)           The implementation of two Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders be approved, the effect of which will be the temporary closure of Windy Harbour Road and Hastings Road at the start and end of the school day during term time.  The Order will continue until the end of the pilot scheme or 18 months, whichever is sooner.

(3)           That the necessary legal procedures, including those of public consultation and advertising the Council’s intention to implement the Order, be approved.

(4)           The results of the consultation be noted and for this information to be fully considered as part of our wider work on transport policy around creating inclusive walking and cycling networks. 

Reasons for the Decision(s):

Sefton Council has declared a Climate Emergency, and has a responsibility to conduct its work in line with the Public Sector Equality Duty, and tackle some of the greatest challenges facing our community such as poor air quality, sedentary physical behaviour, poverty and cost of living crisis.  Tackling the journey to school by making the roads and streets safer and more inviting to walk and cycle will allow more pupils to explore their journey to school in other ways.   Creating a safe space directly outside the front of the school is the first step in the challenge to encourage mode shift (change to walking and cycling from being driven in a car). 

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None