Please note, Milton Keynes City Council will only consider a location for a School Street initiative if other proactive measures have been tried by the school and the road safety issues have continued. Changing driver behaviour in the long term is the best way to keep the area outside schools safe for all users. Schools should contact the Transport team if they want to know more about how they can help to encourage road safety outside their schools and take part in the Modeshift STARs initiative.
Milton Keynes City Council is committed to helping children travel to and from school safely. School Streets are an innovative way of creating a safer environment outside schools at busy drop-off and pick-up times, making it easier and more enjoyable for children and families to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school.
School Streets support our wider ambitions to improve road safety, encourage active travel, reduce congestion and improve air quality around schools.
What is a School Street?
A School Street is a road outside, or close to, a school where motor vehicle access is restricted during school drop-off and pick-up times.
During the restricted periods, only vehicles with permitted access, such as residents, emergency services and authorised users, can enter the zone. Parents and carers who normally drive are encouraged to park a short distance away and complete the final part of their journey on foot.
The road remains fully accessible outside the restriction times.
Why are School Streets needed?
Many schools across the city tell us about safety issues mainly caused by inconsiderate and unsafe parking. These schools also experience high levels of traffic during the school run. This creates:
- Congestion outside school gates
- Unsafe parking and dangerous manoeuvres
- Increased risk of collisions involving children
- Poor air quality caused by idling vehicles
- Barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling
School Streets help create a calmer environment where children can arrive and leave school more safely and independently.
Benefits of School Streets
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Improved road safety
Reducing the number of vehicles outside schools lowers the risk of accidents and creates a safer space for pupils, parents and school staff.
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Better air quality
Fewer vehicles and less engine idling can help improve air quality around schools, creating a healthier environment for children.
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Encouraging active travel
School Streets make walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting more attractive options, helping children build healthy habits and increase their daily physical activity.
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Reduced congestion
By encouraging different travel choices, School Streets can reduce traffic around school entrances and improve conditions for all road users. Any school who would like to know more can get in touch with our Transport team at travelplans@Milton-keynes.gov.uk
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Supporting local communities
Quieter streets can be more pleasant places to live, helping create stronger and more connected neighbourhoods.
How do School Streets work?
Each School Street is tailored to local circumstances, but will include:
- Timed restrictions for motor vehicles during school start and finish times
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras
- Traffic signs and road markings
- Temporary or permanent road closures
- Exemptions for eligible vehicles
The exact operating arrangements will be developed in consultation with schools, residents and local communities.
Any vehicle without an exemption who enters the School Street area during the restriction period will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).
Who can access a School Street?
Access arrangements vary between locations, but exemptions may be available for:
- Residents living within the School Street zone
- Emergency service vehicles
- Blue Badge holders (where appropriate)
- School transport services
- Approved permit holders
Details of any exemptions will be published before a School Street becomes operational.
Working with schools and communities
School Streets are most successful when they are developed in partnership with schools, parents, residents and local stakeholders.
Before introducing a School Street, Milton Keynes City Council will:
- Collect and assess traffic and road safety information
- Engage with the school community
- Consult local residents and businesses
- Consider the impact on surrounding roads
- Monitor and review the scheme once implemented
This ensures each scheme is designed to meet local needs while delivering the greatest possible benefits.
School Streets and active travel
School Streets form part of Milton Keynes City Council's wider commitment to active travel.
Alongside School Streets, we are investing in measures to help people make more journeys on foot, by wheel, cycle or public transport. This supports healthier lifestyles, safer neighbourhoods and the city's sustainability goals.
Frequently asked questions
Will I still be able to drive to school?
Yes, but access will be restricted directly outside the school during specific times. Parents and carers are encouraged to park further away and walk the final part of the journey.
Will traffic move to nearby roads?
Traffic impacts are carefully assessed before and after implementation. Experience from School Streets across the UK shows that many journeys shift towards walking, cycling and other sustainable travel choices.
How are restrictions enforced?
Depending on the scheme, restrictions will be enforced using signs, cameras or other approved traffic management measures.
Any vehicle without an exemption entering the School Street area within the restriction period will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).
How will I know if my school is included?
Any proposals for School Streets in Milton Keynes will be communicated through schools, and our usual council channels as part of a consultation process.
Find out more
If you would like to learn more about School Streets or any active travel initiatives in Milton Keynes, please contact us by using one of the methods on this page