School Safe Havens

School Safe Haven programme

The School Safe Haven programme is Derby’s latest step in tackling the long-standing issues created by the high number of cars outside school gates at drop-off and pick-up times. Congestion and inconsiderate parking remain challenging to address, particularly given the large number of schools in the city, limited enforcement resources, and the fact that the problem appears only for short periods each day. With a new intake of pupils each year, ongoing education and engagement are essential.

Although collision data shows that children are statistically more at risk away from school, the school run continues to generate the greatest concerns among parents and residents about road safety.

We've secured funding through the Department for Transport’s Active Travel initiative to trial new approaches across the city. As part of this work, several schools that had been actively involved in encouraging active travel were selected to test a range of interventions, including experimental road closures, enhanced support for walking, wheeling and cycling, and working with Cycle Derby. Early participating schools have shown strong support for these measures, helping to create safer, calmer and more active environments for pupils.

Spondon schools

School parking had been identified as a long-standing problem in the West Road, Church Street area of Spondon due in part to the close proximity of three schools (St Werburgh’s Primary, Springfield Primary and West Park Secondary school). Following engagement with the schools and residents, a package of measures were introduced alongside additional engagement with the pupils through Cycle Derby:

• Additional bollards on Devas Garden to deter footway parking.
• A priority give way on West Road to improve the situation for pedestrians by preventing footway parking and overrunning of the footway on the approach to West Park and Springfield Schools.
• A new pedestrian gate for St Werburgh’s Primary to provide an alternative route for those walking.
• A pedestrian refuge on Church Street to provide a safe crossing point.
• Parking restriction on the small car park to deter long term parking and encourage its use as a drop off and pick up point away from the school gates.

School Safe Haven Zones - 'School Streets'

The School Safe Haven programme aims to tackle congestion and improve air quality at the school gates, making it easier and safer to walk and cycle to school. Traffic congestion and road safety concerns often discourage walking and cycling, but this initiative seeks to change that.

Download our air quality leaflet.

Benefits of walking and cycling to school

Encouraging children to walk or cycle to school has multiple benefits for their mental and physical wellbeing. Active travel can reduce stress and anxiety and help combat issues related to obesity. Additionally, studies show that children who walk or cycle to school are more alert and attentive during the day, which can enhance their academic performance.

Reducing traffic for a safer environment

By limiting non-exempt motor vehicle traffic in School Safe Haven Zones during school start and end times, we can:

• increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists
• promote sustainable transport
• improve air quality
• reduce driver conflicts.

For those that live too far to walk or cycle

We understand that not everyone can leave the car at home and walk or cycle to school. However, if you use your car, we recommend parking further away from the school and walking the rest of the way. If possible, please use a public car park. If a car park is not available, please park in a way that is mindful of local residents. Please don’t park on pavements as this can obstruct pedestrians, pushchairs, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and damage the footway. Avoid parking in front of dropped kerbs, double parking on roads that are narrow and please keep off grass verges.

Also, when parked, make sure you switch off your engine. Keeping an engine running unnecessary is not only bad for public health and the environment but is also against the law.

Implementation and feedback

In Derby, the School Safe Haven Zones, also known as School Streets, were initially proposed for nine schools. A preliminary consultation gathered feedback from residents, parents, and statutory consultees. Based on the feedback, the program was implemented experimentally at eight schools, with zones and restriction times kept to a minimum to cause the least disruption for residents. This trial phase allowed all stakeholders to experience the impact of the scheme and provide additional feedback before deciding whether to make the Traffic Regulation Order permanent.

Zones not made permanent

• St John Fisher - Residents who responded to the consultation did not support making the zone permanent. The Council will only implement a permanent zone if it receives community backing. While the school safe haven concept has been adopted permanently at other schools, the Council has decided to explore alternative plans for St John Fisher due to local concerns.
• Gayton Junior School - No restrictions were trialled here due to the school's onsite swimming pool. Concerns raised during the initial consultation about the impact on pool users, led to the decision not to introduce an experimental zone.

Permanent School Safe Haven zones

• Redwood Primary School - The zone is on Redwood Road between Sinfin Lane and Islay Road. The restriction is operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:15am to 9am in the morning and from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in the afternoon.
• Markeaton Primary School - The zone is on Bromley Street and Newton’s Walk between Bromley Street and Park Grove. The restriction is operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9am in the morning and from 2:45pm to 3:45pm in the afternoon.
• St George’s Primary and Ridgeway Infants Schools - The zone is on Uplands Avenue from its junction with Ridgeway Avenue to the end of the cul-de-sac, adjacent to the entrance to St Georges Primary School. The restriction is operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:15am to 9am in the morning and from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in the afternoon.
• St Peter’s Junior School – This school has two zones - the first is on Church Street between Old Hall Road and Shepherd Street, the second is on Thornhill Road between Old Hall Road and Burton Road. The restrictions are operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9am in the morning and from 3pm to 3:45pm in the afternoon.
• Mickleover Primary School - The zone is on Vicarage Road from its junction with Park Road to the junction of Farneworth Road. The restriction is operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9am in the morning and from 3pm to 3:30pm in the afternoon.
• St James Church of England and Rosehill School – This zone is on Reginald Street from its junction with Grayling Street to its junction of Osmaston Road. The restrictions are operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9:15am in the morning and from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in the afternoon.
• Bishops Lonsdale Church of England School – The zone is on St Albans Road from its junction with Bedford Close. The restrictionis operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9:10am in the morning and from 3pm to 3:45pm in the afternoon.
• St Albans Catholic Academy School - This school has two zones; the first is on Ismay Road from its junction with Chaddesden Lane, the second is on Oakleigh Avenue eastwards from its junction with Reginald Road South – to include Newstead Avenue, Lenton Avenue and Lea Drive. The restrictions are operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9am in the morning and from 2:45pm to 3:45pm in the afternoon.
• Hardwick Primary School - This school has two zones; the first is on Dover Street from its junction St James Road, the second is on Hastings Street from its junction with St James Road. The restrictions are operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 09:00 in the morning and from 2:45pm to 3:30pm in the afternoon.
• Reigate Primary School - This school has two zones; the first is on Reigate Drive from its junction with Westbourne Park to its junction with Penge Road, the second is on Finchley Avenue from its junction with Westbourne Park to its junction with Ladbroke Gardens. The restrictions are operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9am in the morning and from 3pm to 3:45pm in the afternoon.
• Castleward Primary School - This zone is on Canal Street from its junction with London Road to its junction with Carrington Street. The restrictions are operational term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9am in the morning and from 3pm to 3:45pm in the afternoon.

Current experimental zones

Building on the success of the initial School Safe Haven Zones, the Council received additional funding from Active Travel England to trial more zones. The Council invited all primary schools in the city to express interest, and then prioritised schools based on their previous efforts to encourage active travel, potential benefits, and suitability for road closures.

In April 2024, further funding from Active Travel England allowed the inclusion of an additional school from the prioritized list, Castleward Spencer Academy.

The current experimental School Safe Haven Zones are:

• Cotton Farm Primary School on Sheridan Street

These zones aim to enhance safety and encourage more active travel options for pupils and their families.

More information on these experimental zones can be found on the Lets Talk Derby website.

Applying for an exemption

Residents and local businesses who have a vehicle or vehicles registered to an address located within a School Safe Haven Zone can apply for an exemption. The exemption will give a legal right to drive the registered vehicle into the zone during the scheme's operating times. Special exemptions will also be available for Blue Badge holders requiring access to the zone and carers for vulnerable residents living within the zone.

Further information for those eligible for permits will be sent directly to local residents and the same information provided to the schools for them to pass on to parents or guardians. This will include details on how to apply and information on what documentation to submit. If you would like to know more, you can apply for a permit.

If you are granted a permit into a School Safe Haven Zone, we ask that you are mindful that children will be walking and cycling in the zone and to drive accordingly during restricted times.

Future zones for schools

Schools can continue to express interest in having a future School Safe Haven Zone but the introduction of any more zones will be dependent on additional funding.

We currently do not have the resources to expand the scheme to all schools however schools, residents and parents can help trial the idea by organising a one-day closure themselves. There's lots of online information and guidance and we are also able to offer advice by emailing atf@derby.gov.uk. Applications for play street or event road closures are dealt with by Derby Live and information can be found on their website.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to introduce a School Safe Haven Zone to all schools due to some schools not having a suitable alternative route for non-school traffic. However, other measures can be investigated that would encourage Active Travel in the area. There are also loads of other great initiatives that schools can also look to introduce to help encourage more Active Travel like Walk to school week, bike to school week, Walking Wednesdays or fume-free Fridays.

For more information, regarding School Safe Haven Zones, download our FAQs document.