Car exclusion zones are set areas around schools where cars are banned. They can be any distance, but tend to vary between a 200 metres radius and half a mile. These strongly encourage children and parents to walk the whole way, or park at the edge of the zone and walk the rest of the way to school (known as 'Park and Stride').

Sometimes when a car-free zone isn’t possible, a no-stopping zone during school hours is implemented.

Tony Armstrong, CEO of Living Streets, says about car exclusion zones:
“We strongly believe an exclusion zone around schools is worthwhile for many reasons: it stops parents being stuck in congestion but also reduces the potential for collisions around the school gates. This isn’t about making life difficult for parents but creating a safe and pleasant environment around the school, whilst helping children lead more active lifestyles in the face of rising obesity levels.”

What is your view? Join our discussion here.

How to set up a Walking Zone?

If you are interested in setting up a car free zone around your school, download our free Walking Zones resource.

You can also download this case study and read how easily pupils can take a leading role in developing a Walking Zone around their school, where parents can Park and Stride…

Canadian case study - Ontario's first "walking only" school

One school in Canada has had a car-free zone from the day it first opened. For students living too far from school there are designated drop-off points that still allow children a healthy walk to reach the school without congestion at the school gates.  
Parents are now more aware of the importance of the choosing more active ways to get to school and the school is famous around the world.

http://www.hdsb.ca/Newsroom/Pages/PLRobertsonPublicSchool.aspx

 

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