School Streets bring safer, calmer journeys for some pupils in Sale
Schoolchildren in Sale are among almost 3,000 pupils across Trafford now benefiting from vehicle-free zones outside their school gates, thanks to the rollout of School Streets.
Tyntesfield Primary School in Sale has seen one of the biggest changes so far. Since its School Street was introduced, the number of pupils travelling actively – by walking, wheeling or cycling – has jumped from 34 per cent to 81 per cent.
The School Street there temporarily restricts both school traffic and through traffic at drop-off and pick up times, creating a calmer, safer space for families at the start and end of the day and cutting congestion nearby.
All Saints Catholic Primary School in Sale has also been trialling a School Street, with consultations underway on making the changes more permanent. Families have been getting used to roads being turned into pedestrian and cycle zones at the busiest times, with only exempt vehicles – such as emergency services, residents and blue badge holders – allowed access.
The changes are part of a wider Trafford-wide push to improve safety and air quality around schools, released during Road Safety Week (16–22 November 2025). Across the borough, nearly 3,000 pupils are now protected by School Streets, with many families choosing to leave the car at home and walk or cycle instead.
A new School Street has just launched at The Willows Primary School in Timperley, which becomes the seventh school in Trafford to fully adopt the scheme. Victoria Road now closes to most vehicles on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at drop off and pick up times, with parents, carers and other volunteers putting out barriers and signage.
Mrs Rachel Mitchell, school eco-lead and teacher at The Willows, said: “We are really excited to become the latest school in Trafford to take up the challenge of establishing a school street. Our pupils were very keen to do it and already we are seeing the benefits. The traffic-free space around the school at key times is creating a much nicer, safer environment to start and end the school day in.”
School Streets are designed to:
Reduce congestion and pollution in and around schools
Encourage walking, wheeling and cycling
Support better physical and mental health for children and parents
Create a safer, more welcoming environment at the school gates
The scheme is open to any Trafford school that wants to be considered. It is run by Trafford Council, Trafford Community Collective and the One Trafford Partnership, with funding from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
Hannah Stanton, School Street officer at Trafford Community Collective, said: “Whenever I speak to pupils, they tell me how much they like the calmer, safer, more welcoming environment on the School Streets. I'd like to thank the hundreds of amazing School Street volunteers in Trafford who give their time and energy in order to make a positive difference to the school community."
Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s executive member for highways, environmental and traded services, added: “We are delighted with the success of our School Streets in Trafford so far. They are really making a difference for the health and safety of families as well as the environment. We hope to encourage more schools to sign up and take part.”
More schools – including some in Sale – are expected to join the scheme before the end of the academic year. For more information or to express interest in a School Street, email hannah@traffordcollective.org.uk.
