News on West Berkshire School Streets Phase 2

What you told us

An informal consultation was held between 28 January and 18 February 2021 in order to gauge the level of local support for the project. Following a positive response, the details of the scheme were developed. The scheme was launched on 2 September 2021, and a statutory consultation began, inviting comments on and objections to the restriction.

The key messages were:

No formal (statutory) objections to the restriction continuing in force have been received.

The Head and Governors of Calcot Junior and Infant Schools would like the scheme to be made permanent.

The majority of respondents agreed with the objective of encouraging Active Travel to school and restricting access to Royal Avenue.

Several respondents said that they felt safer walking or cycling as a result of the restriction.

Thames Valley Police have stated that whilst they support the principles of the scheme and were able to provide enforcement support to assist with its launch and early days of operation, it would not be realistic to expect ongoing enforcement action.

The issue of ensuring and promoting compliance with the restriction was raised by a wide cross section of respondents, with many observing that a small but significant minority of road users are not abiding by the restriction.

You can read the full report online.

What we did

It was approved by Individual Executive Member Decision on Thursday, 26 May 2022 that the traffic restrictions imposed for the School Streets Pilot Project at the Calcot Infant and Junior Schools be made permanent, but that more enforcement was required. Feedback on the design is open for consultation until 30 September 2022