Turner Street in Stoke-on-Trent Becomes a No-Parking Zone During School Hours as New Rules Aim to Improve Safety

Parking and traffic congestion near schools have long been a concern for residents, but new rules in Stoke-on-Trent aim to ease these problems.

In a recent move, Turner Street in Northwood, which serves as the main entrance to Co-op Academy Grove, has implemented a ban on school run vehicles.

This decision came after complaints about unsafe driving and parking near the school.

Residents expressed frustration, with some describing the situation as a “car crash waiting to happen.”

Safety Concerns on Turner Street

Local residents have had enough of the hazardous conditions created by drivers rushing during school pick-up and drop-off times.

Many have reported drivers speeding along the street, disregarding safety for the sake of convenience.

One resident, Maureen Oakley, 81, explained the daily difficulties she faces when trying to park near her home.

She described how parents, who drop their children off at school, often park on the pavement and block driveways, making it nearly impossible to park or access her own house.

Billy Swift, another Turner Street resident, welcomed the changes, stating that parking has been a long-standing issue.

“Teachers park here all day, and there’s no space left for residents,” he said.

For him, the new rules should help create a safer environment for both children and locals.

School Streets Initiative

The new restrictions on Turner Street are part of the city’s broader “School Streets” initiative.

This initiative, which started on January 6, 2025, applies to ten streets around schools in the area.

Between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. on school days, parents dropping off or picking up their children will not be allowed to park.

The goal is to reduce congestion, promote safety, and make it easier for residents to park outside their homes.

However, the new rules have sparked concerns from some residents.

Pamela Peach, from a nearby street, worries that the traffic issues will simply be pushed to neighboring roads, creating a ripple effect that may cause even more congestion.

A Step Toward Safer Streets

Shirley Carrigan, headteacher at Co-op Academy Grove, has been vocal in advocating for the new measures.

For years, she has seen firsthand the dangers posed by the heavy traffic and poor parking around the school.

“The streets surrounding Co-op Academy Grove are very congested at drop-off and collection times, causing real hazards for anyone crossing the roads,” she said.

The City Council has been working with the school to find a solution, and after several years of collaboration, the new restrictions have finally come into effect.

While some worry about the impact on surrounding streets, many believe that the “School Streets” initiative will improve safety and reduce the risks for children and pedestrians.

As the initiative rolls out, both residents and parents will be watching closely to see if the changes make a difference in creating safer, more accessible streets for everyone.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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