Pedestrian and Cycle Zones Set for Caerphilly Schools
With the re-opening of schools this week, Caerphilly County Borough Council will implement pedestrian and cycle zones at four schools across the county from the 1st of September.
One school from each corner of the county borough has been selected to take part in the pilot project. The scheme is to be initially installed on an experimental basis to enable its impact to be assessed before any permanent scheme is taken forward. The experimental order would be in force for a maximum period of 18 months and would be monitored during that time.
The following schools will become pedestrianised and only disabled badge holders will be permitted to access the site during peak drop off and collection times.
- Aberbargoed Primary School - 8:10-9:10am and 2:30-3:30pm
- Libanus Primary School 8:30-9:40am and 3-4pm
- Twyn Primary School 8:35-9:10am and 2:45-3:30pm
- Risca Primary School 8:15-9:15am and 2:45-3:30pm.
All residents and teachers have been allocated permits allowing them an exemption to drive along the streets during the closure period.
Cllr. Sean Morgan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for sustainable travel said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes that affect all aspects of our lives and, as I am sure we have all observed, transport, across all modes, has been particularly affected. With the restrictions imposed, we have seen large reductions in motorised traffic on all parts of the road network, much reduced patronage of buses and trains, high levels of home working and, so far anecdotally, higher rates of walking and cycling, both for essential journeys and for daily exercise.
“For the sake of the air we all breathe and the world’s climate and public health we need to try and lock in this mode shift to active travel and reduction in car use that we are currently experiencing. These experimental orders are aiming to do just that and we will continue to monitor the situation at each site throughout the pilot period.”
This pilot scheme has been made possible as a result of Welsh Government funding.