Some cars to be banned outside Wiltshire schools from September

Some motorists will be prevented from driving or parking outside selected Wiltshire primary schools during school drop-off and pick-up times as part of a new School Streets pilot.

The scheme will begin on 4 September 2026, with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras being used to monitor vehicles on roads around four participating schools.

The schools taking part are Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, Fynamore Primary School in Calne, Minster Primary School in Warminster and Queen's Crescent Primary School in Chippenham.

The restrictions will only operate for short periods at the beginning and end of the school day, with the exact times varying between locations.

Wiltshire Council says the scheme is designed to create safer and calmer streets for children, while also helping reduce traffic and air pollution around school entrances.

However, the restrictions will not apply to everyone.

Exemptions will be available for emergency services, local residents and businesses within the restricted areas, people with medical needs and Blue Badge holders.

Drivers who qualify for an exemption will be able to apply for permits through Wiltshire Council.

Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for highways, said the restrictions would help create safer and calmer environments for children during the busiest periods of the school day.

The School Streets pilot will be introduced using Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs).

This means the restrictions will initially operate as a trial rather than immediately becoming permanent.

Members of the public will have 18 months to experience the scheme and provide feedback before the council decides whether the measures should remain permanently.

The council says feedback from parents, residents, businesses and other road users will play an important role in assessing the success of the pilot.

Tom Mullins, head teacher at Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, previously said the scheme would help make roads around the school safer and allow families to walk, cycle or use scooters more safely.

Two other schools Staverton Primary School and Emmaus School in Staverton were originally expected to take part in the pilot.

However, they were removed from the plans after concerns were raised about access for carers and deliveries.

The new restrictions are expected to affect motorists who regularly use the roads around the participating schools during the designated times.

Wiltshire Council says the pilot will provide an opportunity to see whether reducing vehicle traffic around school gates can improve safety and the environment for children and families.