School street schemes In Cardiff, the council initially targeted the more straightforward locations, such as schools in side streets and cul-de-sacs. Now those are in place, we want to roll them out elsewhere, says a spokesperson. However, there are some locations such as a busy road or a particular street layout where its more challenging. In these instances, we need more investigation into whether a school street is the most appropriate intervention or whether another course of action needs to be taken. For example, in some circumstances, we will use attended cameras around schools to enforce the existing restrictions, such as zig-zag lines by pedestrian crossings or school keep clear markings. In certain locations, existing parking restrictions may be increased. Active education Many schemes operate in areas where other forms of active travel are already being promoted. In Cardiff, there is an active travel to school team that works closely with schools to promote initiatives such as walking buses, park and stride, and the Living Streets Wow Travel Tracker a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using an interactive program. They are a vital part of the process, supporting change alongside the school streets intervention, says the spokesperson. Stewart agrees: We expect the school to already be involved in active travel initiatives and wouldnt have run the school streets trial at a school that hadnt already tried other methods of reducing car use, such as walk-to-school events. The effects of school street schemes has often been 16 positive, both in terms of the environment and increasing active travel. Wiktorko says: An evaluation of the Hackney street school schemes revealed that they had resulted in a 51 per cent increase in cycling to school, a 30 per cent increase in walking and a 74 per cent reduction in tailpipe emissions. In addition to reducing pollution, congestion and road danger, school streets are very beneficial in promoting active, rather than passive, travel, adds Lee. I walk to school with my six-year-old son. It takes 15 minutes and is a time when he can exercise and let off steam before a day spent at a school desk. Walking to school is good for childrens health and helps aid their concentration. If you are a local authority member and wish to find out more about operating school street schemes in your area, you can get support from BPA members on the online community forum: communities.britishparking.co.uk/local_ authority_members *bit.ly/PNAug21PA