Serious concerns over the effectiveness of a Safer School Streets initiative have been raised. The scheme aims to create safer student walking and cycling routes by implementing time-bound road closures near local schools.
The schemein Frome, which began on April 22, closes certain roads near Trinity First, Oakfield Park, Avanti Park, and Critchill School during peak school hours: between 8.10 am and 9am. and from 2.45 pm to 3.30 pm.
However, speaking at Frome’s October council meeting, Alan Whitmore, a resident of Oakfield Road, voiced frustration over perceived lax enforcement and questioned whether the scheme was implemented correctly and enforceable.
“I live on Oakfield Road opposite Oakfield Academy. My grandchildren attend Avanti Park School, and my questions tonight are about the Safer School Streets for Frome,” Mr Whitmore said.
“Can I ask if the appropriate regulations have been made to make this scheme legally enforceable? Could I also ask what enforcement of the restriction times for this scheme has taken place in the restricted areas?”
Mr Whitmore continued by sharing personal observations of frequent non-compliance. “I have seen widespread ignoring of the restriction times on Oakfield Road. I’ve seen many vehicles turn up to collect people during restricted times. Some sit with engines idling, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes before the restriction time,” he added, questioning the overall adherence to the project’s safety objectives.
In response, Peter Wheelhouse, the Economic Development & Regeneration Manager & Deputy Town Clerk of Frome Town Council assured Mr Whitmore and other attendees that enforcement efforts are underway, though they primarily fall under police jurisdiction.
“The important thing for me to say is that those restrictions can only be formally enforced by the police, and we have had regular contact with them around ensuring that this is enforced,” he explained.
Mr Wheelhouse acknowledged that while local authorities are stretched, there are efforts to monitor and enforce the scheme with NSL officers, contracted through Somerset Council Parking Services, who have recently been instructed to oversee parking compliance in the area.
On the financial side, Mr Whitmore raised concerns over the program’s cost, referencing a media report which claimed that the coloured road markings at two schools cost around £146,000.
Mr Wheelhouse disputed this figure, saying it was ‘spurious’ and clarifying that the cost of road markings was closer to £62,000. “The sum in the contract with our contractor was closer to £62,000 for that particular element of the scheme,” he stated, adding that funding for the trial did not come from the town council’s budget but from Active Travel England through a grant obtained by Sustrans.
Mr Whitmore then pressed for details on the exact nature of enforcement actions by NSL wardens. “When you say the wardens are out, what are they doing? Are they advising? Are they giving warnings? Are they giving parking tickets?” he asked.
Mr Wheelhouse responded by saying that wardens are authorised to issue tickets and will do so where offences are observed. “You can fully expect to see wardens on the street over the coming weeks handing out tickets where it’s required,” he said.
At the meeting, another member acknowledged the community’s mixed reception of the trial. “It is a trial,” the speaker noted, “an 18-month trial. If we need to make tweaks or changes, we’re very open to that. It’s all about trying and seeing how it goes, then iterating if necessary.”
Mr Wheelhouse concluded by encouraging residents to continue providing feedback. “Please keep the reports coming in. We must receive feedback from the community about what’s happening on the ground,” he said, emphasising the council’s commitment to assessing the scheme’s impact through ongoing data collection and an evaluation scheduled for December.
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