School Streets scheme

For many years concerns have been raised with the Council over the amount of school related traffic using Marina Crescent and adjacent roads during drop-off and pick-up times. This increases the risks of collisions between motorised traffic and vulnerable road users as well as with other vehicles.

The associated parking on the roads makes it difficult for other vehicles to pass, and causes visibility issues for children wanting to cross, whilst the pavement parking makes it dangerous and at times forces children to walk in the road.

Furthermore, local residents have experienced problems arising from anti-social and dangerous parking during school drop-off and pick-up times with people parking across their driveways and even driving along the pavement.

Following our correspondence earlier in the year, and the subsequent trial week in March, we are now able to provide an update on the School Streets scheme.

We have listened to the feedback and have made some changes to the scheme, namely removing the proposal to create a new footpath across the green space to the rear of St Anne’s Catholic Primary and the removal of the proposed one-way system on Marina Crescent. Instead, we will upgrade and widen the existing path between Twickenham Drive and Acacia Avenue as this is already being used by some members of the community.

The scheme will be introduced under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order from 1st September 2025.

The extents of the order are summarised below.

A ban on motor vehicles on Marina Crescent, Ruskin Way and Cedar Crescent Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 9.00 and from 14.15 to 15.30 (term-time only). There will be exemptions made as part of the ban on motor vehicles for; residents, school staff, blue badge holders and taxis, however it should be noted that these exemptions will be part of the consultation phase and could be subject to change.
A one-way system on Cedar Crescent which will allow vehicles to only access Cedar Crescent from Ruskin Way.
Enforcement cameras will be installed at each end of Marina Crescent. Drivers ignoring the restrictions will be issued with a fine. All those who are exempt will need to have logged their vehicle registration details with us before 31st August 2025. We will provide details on how to do this nearer the time.

The scheme will be introduced on a trial basis via an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) which will be implemented and enforced from September 2025 and be in place for a maximum period of 18 months. During the first six months of the Experimental Traffic Order, we will invite you to provide your comments and feedback to us. This will give the Council the opportunity to consider your views and in doing so, help to inform a decision on whether to amend the scheme, make the scheme permanent or withdraw the scheme, and revert to the existing situation.

The aim of the scheme is to promote active travel and reduce car dependency on the school run whilst making it safer to do so. To coincide with the restrictions work is ongoing in both schools to promote walking and cycling as a mode of transport. We recognise that some parents need to travel by car as they are going to work after dropping their child off. However, parents will be encouraged to park further away and take the opportunity to enjoy a walk with their child whilst getting some fresh air and exercise. As well as the physical benefits that come from daily exercise the mental and emotional health benefits can be huge. A reduction in vehicle emissions also contributes to cleaner air and a more pleasant environment for all.

The extent of the proposal can be viewed in the plan below.

Your questions and comments are welcome and can be forwarded to us at schoolstreets@knowsley.gov.uk