Safe School Streets for Sheffield

Wow. Over two years has gone by with almost no progress. There have been trials here and there and people are still looking at options. But we've had an election and a referendum and I think now is the time to push for this again. I've started a Facebook Group if you would like to know more. https://www.facebook.com/groups/971448746939822/ It's called 'Sheffield School Streets NOW'.

Hi, everyone. Some good progress is being made. I had my first meeting with a school yesterday, Hunters Bar Juniors, where the Head said that he was interested in School Streets. It had been discussed at the Governors meeting in December and it will be discussed at next week's meeting as well. Also, the long awaited meeting with the council is happening on February 13th. I'm looking for other schools that would be interested in volunteering to trial a scheme. Please email me if you are interested in knowing more.

After waiting over a month, I still do not have a meeting scheduled with anyone from Sheffield Council. I'm also still trying to find schools to commit to this. Please speak to your schools and if you like ask your local councillor or Jack Scott what steps we are taking to bring Safe School Streets to Sheffield.

I've emailed the transcript of Cllr. Scott's reply to all supporters who have opted-in for further emails. The next steps are for Cllr. Scott to arrange a meeting which he said he would do within the next month.

Petition presented to Sheffield Council today. 1,415 was the official number at the time of the presentation. Thanks to Graham Wroe for filming my presentation and the Council's response. I'm going to transcribe it and will email to everyone tomorrow. https://youtu.be/QMQXam0lkbQ

1,362 after only two weeks. Sheffield Telegraph interested in doing a story on School Streets. Will postpone presenting the petition to Council until January 9th, 2019 to allow me to collect more data (studying the Edinburgh examples right now) and get more support specifically from schools / school communities.

Besides the fact that there are now over 1,200 of us (THANKS!!) wanting safer, less stressful school journeys and better air quality for our children and grandchildren, I heard an interesting development today. The parents of one of our fine schools - I should ask them before I say which one - have organised themselves and have their Councillor and Cabinet Member for Transport, Jack Scott of see for themselves why they need School Streets at their school. This is an amazing development. More info on this next week.

A bit of media coverage won't hurt: https://www.jusnews.net/petition-to-close-school-streets-to-reduce-air-pollution-gathers-support/

I said in the petition that 20 mph zones were great but they actually may not be making much of a difference to casualty numbers. Seems that "The majority of drivers break the speed limit in 20mph zones in residential areas" Another reason to have School Streets. Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/23/little-evidence-20mph-speed-limit-cuts-casualties-says-uk-report

Wow, almost 1,000! The petition will be presented to the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, December 5th at 2pm. Please join me if you can. Whatever the outcome, this campaign does not stop until schools that want it have Safe School Streets. If you want School Streets for your school, please contact me as soon as possible.

Thank you 38 Degrees for sharing my petition around Sheffield to help get the word out. It has generated a lot of interest. Much appreciated.

BBC Newsround did this little feature on School Streets recently - we are now up to 40 schools in England that have closed roads during pick up and drop off times. Funny that they talk about England when I think the idea came from Edinburgh. Hmmm.. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/46286684

Hello! We are approaching 200 signatures! 38 Degrees just called, they are thinking of emailing this petition to all of those who have signed other petitions in Sheffield.