School Streets: guidance for local authorities - 1. Introduction

This guidance is aimed at local authorities in Wales, particularly authorities with limited experience of delivering School Streets schemes.

It may also be of interest to school staff and governors.

The guidance provides an overview of what School Streets are, the key steps and factors to consider when developing and implementing schemes and how School Streets fit within the wider context of enabling walking, wheeling and cycling to school.

It is not meant to be an exhaustive guide but provides links to more detailed information and support.

Throughout the guidance there are references to “walking and wheeling” where “wheeling” refers to journeys by kick scooters, (non-motorised) wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Across Wales, around 51% of all primary school children and 30% of secondary school children are driven to school by car or van (source: National Survey for Wales).

The motorised school run leads to congestion, pollution and road safety issues around schools and on the wider road network. Greater levels of active travel to and from school could help to address these issues at the same time as improving the mental and physical health of pupils and their parents/carers. 

In 2021, the Welsh Government set out ambitious plans to boost levels of active travel in Llwybr Newydd: the Wales transport strategy. This included a vision for 45% of all journeys to be made on public transport or by active travel by 2040. This represents an increase of 13 percentage points on the estimated current mode share of 32%. 

The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 puts in place 7 well-being goals, including working towards a healthier Wales. School Streets help enable active travel to school, maximising children’s physical and mental well-being. 

In Wales’ Programme for Government there is a commitment to work with schools to promote active travel and road safety. Increasing the number of School Street schemes is one of a range of measures which can help to increase levels of both active travel and safety on our roads.

The default 20mph speed limit in residential areas and in the vicinity of schools will also support more people to walk, wheel and cycle in the wider areas around School Street projects by reducing the danger of speeding vehicles.

The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 places a duty on local authorities to promote active travel as a way of reducing or limiting air pollution in their areas. School Streets schemes can support local authorities’ ambitions of improving air quality outside schools.