School safe environment zones (SSEZ)

The School Safe Environment Zones (SSEZ) programme was Swindon Borough Council's approach to improving road safety and reducing congestion around schools between 2020 and 2025.

The programme reviewed the roads around Swindon's 91 schools and introduced measures designed to improve safety, encourage sustainable travel and support positive travel behaviours among pupils, parents and carers.

What the programme delivered

Each School Safe Environment Zone was designed to meet the needs of the individual school and its surrounding area. Depending on local circumstances, measures included:

  • road signs
  • school flashing amber warning lights (wigwags)
  • School Keep Clear markings and other parking restrictions
  • local speed limit changes
  • traffic calming measures
  • pedestrian crossing improvements
  • cycling facilities
  • School Streets

Behaviour change initiatives

Alongside physical improvements, schools were offered initiatives to encourage safer and more sustainable travel choices.

These included:

Support available for schools

Schools were also encouraged to take part in a range of sustainable travel and road safety activities, including:

  • Modeshift STARS, which supports schools in promoting sustainable travel and achieving accreditation.
  • Clean Air Day, which provides information and resources to reduce air pollution.
  • TravelWise Week, an annual campaign promoting walking, cycling, public transport and other sustainable travel choices.
  • Catch the Bus Month, which encourages people to choose bus travel during September.
  • The Platform Project, a rail education programme that helps young people learn about rail safety and sustainable travel.
  • Road Safety Week, Brake's biggest national road safety campaign, promotes safer roads for everyone.
  • The Swindon Summer Trails Challenge, which encourages families to explore local walking routes during the school holidays.

For advice on sustainable school travel initiatives, contact the Travel Plan Advisor at swindontravelchoices@swindon.gov.uk.

Programme achievements

The programme delivered improvements at schools across the borough, including:

  • four School Streets schemes
  • joint working between council teams, schools, Wiltshire Police and other partners
  • road safety improvements at schools across Swindon where appropriate

The programme contributed to:

  • reduced traffic congestion around schools
  • improved local air quality
  • more opportunities for walking, cycling and scooting to school
  • safer environments for children arriving at and leaving school

Measures such as School Streets, improved signage, speed management measures and pedestrian facilities helped reduce traffic around school entrances and support safer journeys for pupils and families.

Further information

For more information about the School Safe Environment Zones programme, email ssez@swindon.gov.uk.

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