Highways Bulletin: Improving Road Safety Near Schools

Published on: 8 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 8 Mar, 2026

The information for this bulletin comes from Surrey County Council and is written by them.

Report potholes and highway issues here.

Making journeys to school safer

Improving road safety around schools remains a top priority, and our School Streets Programme is helping create safer, healthier journeys for children and families across the county.

What is a School Street?

A School Street temporarily restricts traffic on roads outside a school during busy drop-off and pick-up times. This means the road becomes a pedestrian and cycle-only zone for a set period in the morning and afternoon. Parents and carers are encouraged to walk, scoot or cycle with their children, or park further away and walk the final part of the journey.

Exemptions apply for residents living within the zone, carers, Blue Badge holders and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school transport.

The aim is simple: reduce traffic at the school gates, improve air quality and make it safer and easier for children to travel actively.

Proven Results in Surrey

The first School Street was introduced at Farnham Heath End School in April 2025. The results have been impressive, with a 62% reduction in vehicles during school drop-off and pick-up times, falling from 1,227 vehicle movements per week to just 470.

This was followed by a scheme at Potters Gate Church of England Primary School, further supporting safer journeys for local families.

What’s Next?

From Monday 11 May, four roads around Danetree Primary School in Ewell will operate as School Streets between 8am-9am and 2.30pm-3.45pm. This will be Surrey’s largest School Street zone to date. Keep up to date with the changes on our Danetree School commonplace webpage.

We are also seeking views on proposed schemes at:

Residents and school communities are encouraged to share their feedback online.

For details of roadworks in the Guildford area please click here.