Bristol School Streets: Wansdyke Primary School

Wansdyke Primary School in Whitchurch was one of the council’s first pilot schools launched as part of the Bristol School Streets scheme.

The main aims of the Bristol School Streets pilot are to:

  • reduce the volume of traffic around the school gates.
  • improve road safety for pupils and their families.
  • encourage more pupils to walk, scoot or cycle to school.
  • improve the air quality and environment at the school gates, making it a more pleasant space for everyone.

Bristol City Council worked closely with Wansdyke Primary School and launched the scheme in February 2020.

This involved making School Close, directly outside of Wansdyke Primary School, into a pedestrian and cycle only zone, for short periods at the beginning and end of the school day. The timings of the closure are 08:30 – 09:15 in the morning, and 14:45 – 15:30 in the afternoon, from Monday to Friday and during term-time only.

Wansdyke School Streets map showing the Pedestrian and Cycle only zone

  • The School Streets scheme was launched in February 2020 as a trial.  Following a formal consultation that took place between 28 October 2021 and 19 November 2021, the decision was made to make the scheme permanent by the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order. This came into effect on 14 March 2022.

  • The scheme is active on weekdays, during term-time for 45 minutes in the morning at school start time and 45 minutes in the afternoon at school end time. The exact timings of the closure are between 08:30 – 09:15 in the morning, and 14:45 – 15:30 in the afternoon, from Monday to Friday and during term-time only.

  • Residents of School Close were invited to apply for a permit to allow vehicle access during the School Streets zone operating times. If you have an old permit (before August 2022) or have moved into School Close and would like to apply for a resident’s permit please use the following link to apply for an access permit.

  • Blue Badge holders are exempt from the scheme and can access School Close when needed. We ask Blue Badge holders to display their Blue Badge clearly in the windscreen of their vehicle and they may be stopped and asked to confirm their details on some occasions.

  • No – parents or carers dropping children at school will not be eligible for an exemption. We are pleased that the majority of parents are embracing the scheme and are choosing to walk, cycle or scoot where possible.

    Residents of School Close were invited to apply for a permit to allow vehicle access during the School Streets zone operating times. If you have an old permit (before August 2022) or have moved into School Close and would like to apply for a resident’s permit please use the following link to apply for an access permit.

  • Yes – if you are a carer who regularly supports a resident within the zone, you may eligible for an exemption. Please email us to let us know about your personal situation.

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