A new trial restricting vehicle access during peak school times has begun outside a local school, as part of plans to reduce congestion and improve safety around the school gate.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's 'School Street' scheme outside Guilden Sutton Church of England Primary School went live at the end of March.

The trial has introduced timed motor-vehicle restrictions on Arrowcroft Road and part of Hilltop Road during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods.

Exemptions apply for residents, blue badge holders and essential services.

The scheme is being delivered under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), allowing the council to trial the changes while gathering feedback from the school community and nearby residents.

Alongside the restrictions, the council has also carried out a programme of engagement and education work aimed at encouraging safer and more sustainable journeys to school.

This has included guidance for parents on walking routes, road safety and anti-idling, as well as cycle and scooter training, Dr Bike repair sessions, and theatre workshops focused on active travel.

Work has also been done with local partners to promote "park and stride" options from nearby car parks, including the Village Hall and Parish Council facilities, in a bid to reduce congestion directly outside the school while maintaining convenient access for families.

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The council says the trial will be closely monitored using community feedback and local data to help inform future decisions.

"By reducing traffic at the busiest times of the day, we can create a safer, calmer and healthier environment for children and families," said Cllr Karen Shore.

"This scheme is about making active travel the easy choice - supporting pupils to walk, wheel or cycle to school where they can, and giving parents confidence that the journey is safer."

A public consultation on the scheme is open until 1 May 2026. To provide your feedback please complete the School Street Survey.

To request paper copies of the survey or other formats, please contact [email protected].