New restrictions to be introduced at school near Swindon

It comes after staff at Chiseldon Primary School were forced to take matters into their own hands, after issues had arisen during drop-off and pick-up times.

Last year, cars had been parked on double yellow lines, crossings were blocked and visibility lines obstructed, the school said.

It prompted Swindon Borough Council launch plans to include Chiseldon in its next round of its School Safe Environment Zone project.

Plans to stop motorists parking dangerously near a school have been put forward. (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

The changes, which are planned for the nearby Castle View Road, will include no loading double kerb blips and associated signage, the installation of flashing amber 20mph signs, and parts of the road changing from single yellow line to double yellow line.

Immediately by the school there will be a 'no stopping Mon-Fri 8am-5pm on entrance markings' sign, and a camera. 

Further up towards The Orchard turning there will be no stopping and no loading at at any time signs. 

Then, on the approach to the school from either end of Castle View Road there will be a flashing 20mph speed sign, as well as 'Slow' road markings installed onto the road surface. 

The plans were first put forward by the council via a Traffic Regulation Order at the end of November last year.

Chiseldon Primary & Nursery School have implemented new bollards. (Image: Chiseldon Primary & Nursery School) (Image: Chiseldon Primary & Nursery School)

Speaking after taking action and launching a campaign to improve safety last year, deputy headteacher Nick Hatcliffe said: “The campaign aims to encourage parents and guardians to park further away from crucial areas near the school, such as regular crossings and entrances.

“To reinforce this message, the school also installed signs with the slogan and placed life-sized 'little people' figures near the crossing areas.”

“Since the implementation of the safe parking campaign, the school has observed a significant improvement in parking behaviour around the school premises,” the deputy headteacher continued.

“Parents are now more conscious of where they park, and many have started parking further away from the crossing areas.

“This has made it much safer for pupils to cross the road and enter the school.”

Clair Wilkinson, clerk for Chiseldon Parish Council, confirmed the new measures were coming and said they are due to be completed by the Easter holidays.