First trial Safe Haven Zone opens

Published: 18 November 2021

Monday 22 November sees the launch of the first Safe Haven Zone at Redwood School in Sinfin.

After discussions with Local Councillors, Neighbourhood Officers, school representatives, and in consultation with local residents and parents the Safe Haven will see the closure of a section of Redwood Rd between Sinfin Lane and Islay Rd during term time only, Monday to Friday from 8:15 to 9:00 in the morning and from 2:30 to 3:30 in the afternoon.

The zone is being introduced on a trial basis for a maximum of 18 months during which a further consultation will be held to determine if the restriction will become permanent.

To mark the launch of the zone, Redwood School, in conjunction with Cycle Derby, have set a ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ challenge and students have been encouraged to ‘bling’ their mode of transport, including themselves and their parents or carers, on the opening day.

Council Officers will be on site at key times on Monday and during the introduction period, to talk to drivers and direct them to Sinfin Moor Park car park, and to monitor the effects on traffic in the area and carry out enforcement where necessary.

The School Safe Haven Zone project is being funded after an award of £776,150 from the Department for Transport for the delivery of additional active travel measures across the city.

Redwood was one of a number of schools identified across the city to test different interventions including the introduction of ‘School Streets’, locally known as School Safe Haven Zones, aimed at promoting cleaner air, reduce congestion, improve road safety and increase levels of activity. Further consultations are on-going and future Safe Haven zones may be up and running in the near future.

Councillor Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member Regeneration, Decarbonisation & Strategic Planning & Transport said:

“Doing the ‘school run’ is something that many of us will be familiar with and we all want to be able to do that safely and without the risk of injury to our children.

“For many, driving will feel like the only option but this can lead to chaos outside of schools with so many cars in one place in a tight window of time.

“Schemes like this one encourage us to find alternative active ways to travel to school but also reduce the risks for our children outside the school gates.

“I look forward to the results of this trial and the other schemes around the city.”

To make comment, object and engage in the consultation please email Traffic Management . As required by regulations street notice and public advertisement will also denote the consultation period.

Transport