Update, 30 April 2026
Following a public consultation in February 2026, we have decided to go ahead with the proposed School Street. For more information on this decision, please read 'Outcomes of the public consultation', further down the page.
We are working closely with the school to agree a launch date. Once this is confirmed, the permit application process for essential vehicle access will open.
More information about which vehicles can access the School Street during operating times is set out below under 'Who can access during timed restrictions'.
Please subscribe to our e-newsletter to keep informed of the official launch date and for permit application reminders. We will also write to residents and the school community when a launch date is set.
Use this page to find out more about the School Street outside Widcombe Infant and Junior schools.
About the School Street
We are introducing a School Street outside the Widcombe Infants and Junior Schools on Archway Street and Excelsior Street in Bath. The aim is to create a safe, calm environment outside the school where most children gather, and encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling.
Timed vehicle restrictions
To create the School Street, we will restrict motor vehicle access on the full length of Archway Street and Excelsior Street during the times set out below. The intention is for it to be managed by temporary barriers and enforced by stewards.
Vehicle restriction times (Monday to Friday, term-time only):
- Mornings: 8:20am to 9am
- Afternoons: 2:50pm to 3:30pm
Essential vehicle access is maintained, including for residents.
Please read 'Who can access during timed restrictions'.
Map showing the extent of the School Street, the location of temporary barriers and position of School Street signs.
How the school street will be managed
Clear signage (a legal requirement) will be installed at all entry points to the School Street to show when restrictions are in operation. The proposed sign locations are shown on the map, above.
Our intention is for trained volunteer and school stewards to be present during operating hours to welcome families, put up and remove temporary barriers (stored at the school), and manage access for authorised vehicles and permit holders. They may ask for professional ID from drivers of authorised vehicles, and they will check the vehicle registrations of digital permit holders against an official list.
See below for who can access the School Street during operating hours. If you require essential access, you may need to apply for an exemption permit when a launch date is agreed.
Illustration of a Pedestrian and Cycle Zone sign typically used at the entrance of School Streets promoting the timed restrictions.
Benefits of a School Street
- Fewer vehicles outside the school gates, reducing the risk of collisions and improving the safety of children
- Safer and more pleasant walking, cycling and wheeling routes
- More children travelling actively
- Better physical health and focus in class
- A calmer start and end to the school day
- A calmer environment for residents living in or near school streets due to fewer vehicles
Read more about the aims of School Streets, our approach to introducing them and how they are run.
Who can access during timed restrictions
From 8:20am to 9am and 2:50pm to 3:30pm on school days we will restrict access for most vehicles on Archway Street and Excelsior Street. Those already parked in the zone can leave without a permit.
Authorised vehicles and permit holders will still have access to properties on the School Street where no alternative route is possible.
Please expand the following sections to find out who can access the School Street during timed restrictions and how to apply for an exemption permit.
The following don't need a permit to access properties on the School Street during operating hours:
- Vehicles displaying a Blue Badge
- Emergency services (for example, police, fire, ambulance)
- Statutory service vehicles (for example, water/sewerage companies)
- Postal and courier company vehicles (not delivery drivers in private vehicles)
- Council-organised school transport
- Health and social care providers
- Vehicles delivering or collecting large goods
- Vehicles already parked in the School Street needing to leave
Drivers of authorised vehicles may be required to show evidence, such as a professional identification card or Blue Badge, before entering a School Street.
The following groups are eligible to apply for a permit if vehicle access is necessary during operating hours. Vehicles already parked on the School Street can leave without a permit.
- Residents with a vehicle registered to a property on the School Street
- Parents or carers of a child with an education health and care plan (EHCP) or an individual health care plan (IHCP) requiring vehicle access to the school
- Individuals, parents and carers with a short-term accessibility need or an exceptional circumstance where requirement for vehicle access is necessary and can be evidenced
- Visitors providing essential school services. For example, a school nurse, specialist sport or music tutor
- Schools or trusts for their official school transport
For safety reasons, we don't usually grant permits to the following:
- Parents
- School staff
- Employees of local businesses
- Delivery drivers in private (non-company) vehicles
- Residents who do not live on the School Streets
How to apply for an exemption permit
The permit application process will not open until a launch date has been agreed and published. We will inform residents and the school community of this by letter. In the meantime, please use this section to find out more about permit eligibility.
Permits are digital and issued free of charge to eligible applicants. They are linked to a vehicle's registration, so you need one permit per vehicle.
You do not need a permit if you drive an authorised vehicle. Please see 'Authorised vehicles not requiring a permit', above, for more information.
If eligible, you only need a permit to access the School Street during operating hours and if no other route is possible.
If your application is successful, when you wish to enter the School Street during operating hours, stewards will check your vehicle registration against an official list.
Permits are valid until 31 July in the current school year, unless stated otherwise. Permit numbers may be capped.
Expand the following sections to find out more on the different types of permits available.
These permits allow residents living on the School Street to gain access to their residential address during operating hours. Residents do not need a permit to leave the School Street during operating hours.
- Permits are capped at four permits per property on the School Street.
- Permits are linked to the vehicle's registration. You need one permit per vehicle.
- Permits remain valid until the 31 July in the current school year.
To apply you will need to provide:
- A council tax reference number, which you can find on your bill.
- A copy of the vehicle's V5C. Or a lease agreement or company car documentation linking your name, vehicle and address on the School Street.
If you're unable to provide council tax details, you can provide a mortgage or solicitor's letter, tenancy agreement and a utility bill dated within three months.
These permits are for parents or guardians of a child with an education health and care plan (EHCP) or individual health care plan (IHCP). They allow you to drive into a School Street during operating hours when vehicle access to the school is necessary.
- Permits are linked to the vehicle's registration. You need one permit per vehicle.
- Permits remain valid while the care plan is in place and until 31 July of the current school year.
To apply you will need to provide:
- A completed application support form. You can request this from the school when permit applications open.
These permits allow vehicle access to the school during School Street operating hours for people with specific short term accessibility needs. This may include a child or adult with a temporary injury or medical condition.
- Permits are linked to the vehicle's registration. You need one permit per vehicle.
- Permits are valid for a maximum of three months from the date of issue.
To apply you will need to provide:
- A short statement explaining why you need vehicle access.
- Evidence from a medical or other relevant professional, dated within the last four weeks.
These permits allow vehicle access during School Street operating hours for people providing vital services at, or to, the school. It is for people who are unable to access the site outside of those hours, and where the school supports the visit.
- Permits are linked to the vehicle's registration. You need one permit per vehicle.
- Permits are valid until 31 July of the current school year.
To apply you will need to provide:
- A short statement explaining why you need vehicle access to the School Street during operating hours.
- A completed application support form. You can request this from the school when permit applications open.
These permits allow vehicle access to a School Street for people who do not meet the criteria for other permits, but who have a genuine and essential need to access the school or school street during operating hours.
- Permits are linked to the vehicle's registration. You need one permit per vehicle.
- Permits are valid until 31 July of the current school year. Or, for a reasonable period based on the evidence provided (if this is sooner)
To apply you will need to provide:
- A short statement explaining why you need vehicle access to the School Street during operating times
- Supporting evidence or documentation. For example, a supporting statement from a professional, employer or from the school leadership team
These permits allow access to a School Street during operating hours for vehicles owned or leased by the school or trust and used solely for school transport. For example, a school minibus.
- Permits are linked to the vehicle's registration. You need one permit per vehicle.
- Permits are valid until 31 July of the current school year.
To apply you will need to provide:
- Proof of vehicle ownership, such as a V5C or lease agreement. This must show that the vehicle is registered to the school or academy or trust.
These exemption permits only allow drivers with essential needs to reach the school or homes on the street during operating hours, when no other route or time is possible. They cannot be used to drive through the street to reach another road.
If you need information in an alternative or printed format, or you need support, please contact the team. Email us at school_streets@bathnes.gov.uk or call us on 01225 394 025.
Outcomes of the public consultation
During February 2026 we asked the school community, residents and businesses in the surrounding area to share their views on a School Street in a formal public consultation.
In April 2026, after careful consideration of the consultation outcomes, we decided to go ahead with the proposal.
- Read the consultation report presenting the survey responses (April 2026)
- Read the decision notice, including more information on the reasons for going ahead with the proposal
Please expand the section below to read a short summary of the consultation outcomes and decision.
Summary of the consultation outcomes and decision
We received 145 responses to the consultation survey: 51 percent supported the proposal and 48 percent opposed it.
In deciding to install the scheme, weight was given to evidence of illegal parking, pavement parking, idling and dangerous manoeuvres during school pick up and drop off. These behaviours create a clear risk to children and other vulnerable road users, particularly on the streets immediately outside the school entrances.
We acknowledge that some displacement may occur on surrounding streets at peak times. We will monitor and review the scheme for adverse impacts that outweigh the benefits of removing traffic from the area where most children gather.
Next steps
The School Street will launch later in the year, following further work with the school. Permit applications will open once a date is confirmed, and residents and the school community will be notified directly.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.
From launch, most vehicles will not be permitted to access Archway Street and Excelsior Street during the following times:
- Mornings: 8:20am to 9am
- Afternoons: 2:50pm to 3:30pm
- Monday to Friday, term-time only
To check if you will be eligible to apply for essential vehicle access during operating hours, please refer to the section 'Who can access during timed restrictions'.
We are continuing to work with the school to encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling to reduce the numbers of vehicles entering the area during the school run.
Monitoring and review
We will monitor travel behaviours and traffic flows in the area to assess the School Street's effectiveness, drawing on baseline counts gathered before launch. We may also monitor air quality. We will make adjustments as needed.
Keep informed
To receive updates on the launch of Widcombe's School Street, please subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Find out more about the programme and the development of School Streets on our School Streets webpage.
Traffic Regulation Orders
These are legal documents which follow a standard wording and format.
View the legal notices for this TRO Consultation 25-072.
Find out more about how we decide on changes to road layouts using Traffic Regulation Orders.