One of the village primary schools has been criticised for revealing it will trial a new traffic control scheme without consulting nearby residents beforehand.
Brook Primary School says the scheme will involve a moveable barrier being put in place at the intersection between The Green and High Street. It will be supervised by volunteers during the busy drop off and pickup times between 8:30am-9am and 3pm-3:30pm.
A school spokesperson said: “This is designed to enhance the safety of pupils and their families, improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and reduce the number of occasions that cars are obstructing the drives of residents.”
He also explained “access for residents and other essential vehicles” would be allowed through the barriers during the restricted times. It is not yet known when the scheme will begin.
Annoyed residents
While the school says “a comprehensive public” consultation will run during the first six months of the trial, one nearby resident feels the idea should have been presented to them beforehand.
The resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I’m annoyed about this actually. We only heard about this scheme because someone we know has kids at the school and they were sent a message about it.
“We got in touch with the authorities and it seems the school has got ahead of themselves even though nothing has been decided yet. The thing I’m most put out about is the fact there has been no public consultation despite Government guidance stating there should be for residents when it comes to initiatives like this.”
Safety issue
For some time, it has been felt the mixture of cars dropping off children and those on two wheels were becoming a safety issue around The Green. In a statement, Cambridgeshire County Council says it is aware of concerns and held an “initial meeting” with Brook Primary School. A Council spokesperson said: “Currently there are no specific proposals in place and no decisions will be made without community engagement.”
However, County Councillor Ros Hathorn explained the Council’s Schools Streets Initiative has had its Department for Education funding withdrawn and it is still early days for any scheme around the Brook Primary School area. She said: “We have been assured nothing can go ahead without a conversation with residents in the first instance.”
In its statement, Brook Primary School said Ros is available to answer questions relating to community engagement on this project. Her email is Ros.Hathorn@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Histon & Impington Parish Council was approached for comment.
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