Traffic bans to be enforced on two streets outside North Wales schools
Traffic bans are set to be enforced on two streets in a North Wales town. Conwy council has announced the plans for the roads in Colwyn Bay.
It is part of a Schools Street pilot. This is aimed at cutting air pollution near schools as well as making them safer.
For the pilot - which starts today for one street - the roads will close for around an hour at drop-off and pick up times. There will be council officers on hand to enforce the traffic bans.
The first closure is on Combermere Road - used by pupils of public school Rydal Penrhos. It will be blocked off from Queens Drive to its junction with Pwllychrochan Avenue.
The pilot will run from 23 June – 4 July, Monday – Friday, with the road shut from 7.45am – 9am, and 3pm – 4:30pm.
This will be followed with Brackley Avenue - which will be closed from its junction with Conwy Road to its junction with Lansdowne Road. Ysgol St Joseph's is on that street.
The trial here runs from 30 June – 18 July, Monday – Friday. The road will close 8.15am – 9am and 2:45pm – 3:45pm.
Conwy council said: "We are trialling a new School Streets pilot scheme at two schools in Conwy School Streets are areas around school entrances that are temporarily closed during peak drop-off and pick-up times to help children access school safely, promote active travel and reduce air pollution.
"Access will be maintained for Blue Badge holders and county arranged taxis."
There was a mixed response on social media. One person called it "Nanny state pampering". Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Another said: "Combermere Road is very busy in the evening I know because I go to a choir rehearsal there on Mondays starting at 4.30. Won't the cars just park round the corner, I just don't see how it will help."
A third added: "Good luck with that. Denbighshire tried it and it didn't work, it just created more chaos and inconvenience to other streets!"
But there was also support for the pilot.
One person said: "Brilliant! I hope it goes well and is rolled out across all primary schools" and another added "Should be at every school".
Many suggested other schools where they would like to see this introduced.
One person responded: "How about Ysgol Aberconwy too. Some parents arrive early to pick up their little dears to make sure they get a parking place. Then, they sit with engines running to keep warm in winter and keep cool in summer. Does nothing to help keep the air clear." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
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