The school is located a narrow street which junctions with London Road, a main route into the centre of Ipswich. Before the introduction of the scheme - the first one to be introduced in Suffolk - the road had suffered with heavy congestion during school drop-off and collection times resulting in poor air quality and numerous traffic disputes, accidents and near misses. The school staff also regularly reported receiving verbal abuse from drivers during these busy periods.
Following consultation with the school and wider community including parents, carers and local businesses, temporary barriers were installed in January 2024. Restrictions run daily between 8.15 and 9am, and 2.45 and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, term time-only.
Feedback following implementation of the scheme has been overwhelmingly positive:
- A hands-up survey of pupils revealed that 85% believed that Paul’s Road was now safer, there was a 35% increase in the number of pupils walking, cycling or scooting and 60% felt that the air quality had improved.
- 96% of staff supported the scheme and wanted to see it continue.
- A questionnaire for parents/carers revealed that 85% supported the scheme and wanted to see it continue, 88% said that Paul’s Road felt safer and 92% commented that it was a more pleasant place to be.
- Local businesses were contacted and asked whether they had been affected by the scheme. Those that responded stated that they hadn’t been negatively affected at all - with one saying that the scheme was straightforward, and access had been given straightaway when they needed it.
Furthermore, during the daily 90 minutes of traffic-free time, levels of harmful particulate matter, such as exhaust fumes has dropped significantly by between 10 and 15%.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for transport strategy, planning and waste, said:
“I am delighted to eee the positive impact this piece of work has had on the school, those in the vicinity and on the environment.
“We’ve received some great feedback and look forward to using Ranelagh Primary as a case study for other areas suffering from similar levels of school traffic congestion.
“It is also a great example of partnership working between the school, county and borough councils, the police and local businesses.”
Ranelagh Primary School’s head teacher, Mrs Nicky Ling, said:
“We’re really pleased with how well the launch of School Street has gone. It has made a real difference with families being able to walk to school safely - families now have space to walk on the pavement without the fear of cars mounting the pavements to park or get by. It has been lovely to hear from our volunteers that members of the public as well as our own families have expressed their gratitude.
“One member of the public, who uses a wheelchair, commented yesterday that it was the first time he could get across the road safely and easily as he was able to use the dropped kerb which is usually blocked by parked cars.”
Impact will continue to be monitored especially now that Paul’s Road has been permanently closed to traffic entering from one end (London Road).
