PETERSFIELD Infant School could soon benefit from a road closure outside the school, as part of a new scheme by Hampshire County Council (HCC).

The ‘School Streets’ initiative has been proposed by HCC as part of its Active Travel programme, with official documents confirming six schools have been shortlisted, with three to take part in an initial trial.

The initial six schools shortlisted are: Petersfield Infant School (East Hampshire), Harrison Primary School (Fareham), Alverstoke Infant School (Gosport), Elson Junior School (Gosport), Foxhills Infant and Junior Schools (New Forest) and Cadland Primary School (New Forest).

The restriction would apply to school traffic and through traffic, with the goal to “create a safer, healthier and pleasant environment for everyone”.

A motion to trial the closure was considered by HCC on September 24, 2020, with council documents confirming an agreement for a firm proposal on a trial – including costing information and confirmation of potential funding – would be considered by the Economy, Transport And Environment Select Committee.

The committee set out a series of recommendations, with the county council cabinet agreeing to these on February 9.

The results of the trial would then be reviewed and considered by members of the cabinet.

The council said engagement with parents, schools, residents and local businesses before, during and after trials would form a “crucial part” of the process.

Nicola Waight, of the council’s Shared Expertise Transport Team, also said the scheme would “need to involve a Traffic Regulation Order”, confirming the police “would be consulted”.

She recognised secondary schools were not included in the trial because the council “had less engagement with them through school travel planning” and wanted to pick schools that “had a really good engagement already”.

Petersfield Infant School headteacher Allyson Crew said: “I am delighted Petersfield Infant School has been shortlisted to pilot ‘School Streets’ later this year.

“Walking, cycling or scooting to school is a great way for children to start their school day, for both their physical and mental health.

“The more people who travel to school this way also helps improve air quality in our community, so anything we can do to encourage more people to leave the car at home for the school run, the better.

“As an eco-school we are always looking for ways to help the planet and make our journeys to school safer for all our families.”

After the Post went to press, Councillor Rob Humby, deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council said: “We are currently investigating which schools will be part of the trial and, as part of this, we are considering a possible filtering system on Hylton Road.

"Should the trial go ahead here, this would mean Hylton Road would be accessible for those walking, cycling, using a scooter, wheelchair, or mobility scooter or pushing a child’s buggy, but it would not be accessible to motor vehicles at the beginning and end of the school day.

"The timing of trial would be co-ordinated with other works affecting roads nearby so there would be no impact on the wider community. ”