Residents in the Frome Safer School Streets area have heard that the installation of highway improvements will take place from the end of October through to December 2023. The trial will begin in Spring 2024.

Over the past two years, Frome Town Council has been working with active travel charity Sustrans to engage the local community in the design of a Safer School Streets project around Trinity, Critchill, Oakfield and Avanti schools.

Philip Campagna, Mayor of Frome said: "This is an ambitious project, but I am delighted that after several years we have agreed a final design and can start work. Whilst it is being put in now the scheme won't start until the spring, we are asking residents who live in the area and parents with children at the participating schools to complete a survey. This will help us establish a baseline for current travel patterns and be part of the measurements for success of the trial when it happens. So please get involved and have your say."

The scheme comprises four elements:

1. Short, timed vehicle restrictions will be in place outside the schools during term times. Residents, blue badge holders, buses and emergency services will be exempt from restrictions. Traffic between Nunney and Frome will be required to use the bypass at these times. Times vehicles are restricted can be found on the Frome Town Council website: An Update on Frome's Safer School Streets - Frome Town Council
2. An extended 20mph zone across the residential area (a map can be viewed on the Frome Town Council website) https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Overview-School-Streets.pdf
3. Highway improvements including raised table crossings at junctions, planters and carriageway patterns outside the four schools.
4. Upgrades to the National Cycle Network (NCN) route 24 along Somerset and Oakfield Road to create a safer environment for cycling.

The purpose of the Safer School Streets zone is to improve safety for everyone by encouraging active modes of travel while reducing traffic volume, traffic speed and improving air quality. Along with reducing road safety risks and improving air quality, active journeys to school are proven to have a positive impact on children's physical and mental health.

Work on the installation will start at the end of October 2023 and the scheme will launch in Spring 2024. The scheme will be trialled for 18 months and during that time Frome Town Council will be monitoring the impact of the trial on vehicle volumes, active travel, and enjoyment of the neighbourhood. Ahead of the start of the scheme we are asking residents to complete a survey about their current travel behaviours and feelings about the area.

Whilst residents, blue badge holders, buses and emergency services will be exempt from restrictions we are asking residents to please fill in a short survey to let us know their thoughts: bit.ly/frometravelsurvey

Anybody unable to access it online should call in or ring through to Frome Town Hall where staff will be able to help.

You can find out more about the scheme on Frome Town Council's website by searching "Safer School Streets" Safer School Streets - Frome Town Council

The Schools Streets project is funded by Somerset Council's Public Health team and Active Travel funding from the Department for Transport.