Ranelagh Primary School, in Ipswich, celebrates success of traffic restrictions at junction of London Road and Paul’s Road one year on

An Ipswich primary school is celebrating the success of a traffic restriction scheme one year on – the first of its kind in Suffolk.

Ranelagh Primary School set up temporary barriers at the junction between Paul’s Road and London Road in January last year to increase safety around the outside of the building.

Concerns had been raised by parents and carers over the level of traffic seen outside the school and staff worked with Suffolk County Council to impose restrictions.

A survey of pupils found that 85 per cent felt the area was now safer and there had been a 35 per cent increase in the number of pupils cycling, walking or scooting to school.

Nicky Ling, headteacher, said staff were pleased with the results.

She said: “It has made a real difference with families being able to walk to school safely. They now have space to walk on the pavement without the fear of cars mounting the pavements to park or get by.

“It has been lovely to hear from our volunteers that members of the public as well as our own families have expressed their gratitude.

“One member of the public, who uses a wheelchair, commented yesterday that it was the first time he could get across the road safely and easily as he was able to use the dropped kerb which is usually blocked by parked cars.”

The restrictions run daily between 8.15am and 9am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

The primary school hoped the scheme would reduce air pollution, protect children from traffic accidents and encourage people to walk or cycle to school.

The survey found that 60 per cent of pupils thought air quality around the school had improved.

In addition, 85 per cent of parents expressed their support for the scheme, with 88 per cent believing Paul’s Road was safer, while 92 per cent felt it was a more pleasant place to be.

Businesses in the area were also contacted to give their views on whether they were affected, with respondents saying they were not negatively affected at all.

Cllr Chris Chambers, county council cabinet member for transport strategy, planning and waste, said he was delighted to see the positive impact the scheme had on the school, local area and environment.

He said: “We’ve received some great feedback and look forward to using Ranelagh Primary as a case study for other areas suffering from similar levels of school traffic congestion.

“It is also a great example of partnership working between the school, county and borough councils, the police and local businesses.”