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Greater Manchester sees an increase in students entering the school

More than 50 schools across Greater Manchester now benefit from school route schemes which restrict traffic during drop-off and pick-up times.

This move aims to create a safer and quieter environment around the school gates and promote walking and cycling.

Stephen Lawler-Smith, headteacher at Peel Hall Primary School in Little Hulton, said the change was noticeable.

He said: “Before the school route was introduced we often had problems with cars blocking the road, parking dangerously and making pick-up and drop-off times stressful for families and residents.

“It made a real difference.

“The area outside the school feels much quieter, safer and more pleasant for the children and parents, and we have seen more families choosing to go to the school.”

The school road at Peel Hall has been in place since February and uses ANPR cameras to enforce traffic restrictions.

Since its introduction, the proportion of pupils who walk to school has risen from 56 per cent to 74 per cent.

Car consumption dropped from 33 percent to seven percent.

Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester Active Travel Commissioner, visited Peel Hall Primary School in Little Hulton to see the impact of the scheme.

She said: “School routes play a vital role in the Bee Network, enabling safer school journeys and giving families more choice in how they start and end their days.

“What was particularly good to hear in Peel Hall was how everyone from students to parents as well as staff noticed the difference and the benefits are already being seen in the classroom.”

The scheme is part of a wider plan to reach 100 school routes across Greater Manchester by 2028.

Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Every child should feel safe coming to school.

“The school road at Peel Hall Primary is a brilliant example of how a small change can make a big difference.

“It gives parents peace of mind that the school run is safer, and it encourages families to get active through walking, scootering and cycling.”

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