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A School Street is a special area outside a school where motorised vehicles are not allowed during school start and end times, unless the drivers have an exemption. This makes it safer and easier for children to walk, wheel, or scoot to and from school.
The goal of a School Street is to create a safe, friendly, and enjoyable environment around the school for children. It also makes sure that people who need to get into the area can still do so when necessary.
Each School Street is organised in a way that fits the needs of the school and the local community. In most cases, a School Street consists of a traffic regulation order and related signage, making the road(s) outside the school open to walking, wheeling and cycling at drop-off and pick-up times during school terms.
Residents and businesses within the zone, as well as special groups (like blue badge holders and emergency vehicles) can be granted an exemption.
Many schools and nearby streets have traffic problems during the busy times when children go to and from school. Lots of people driving and parking can make children and their families feel unsafe when walking, wheeling, or scooting.
Walking and scooting are much more fun for kids. We want to make getting to school safer and more enjoyable for everyone in the community who wants to be more active. School Streets address these issues by restricting motorised vehicle access in the streets surrounding some schools at drop off and pick up times.
On these streets, during certain times in the morning and afternoon, drivers are not allowed to drive through, usually for up to an hour, unless they have an exemption. Clear signs at the entrance let people know about these rules.
Parents and others who feel they need to drive are asked to legally park nearby and walk the last part of their journey, at least a 10 minutes’ walk away.
Because school start and end times can be different, the times will change depending on the school. The signs will show the exact times for each school, and information about these changes will be shared locally.
The operating times for each school street are tailored to the specific start and finish times of the individual school. These times are agreed in consultation with the school to ensure they reflect peak drop-off and pick-up periods.
Restrictions do not apply during weekends or official school holiday periods.
Operating hours will be clearly indicated on regulatory signage located at all entry points to the School Street zone. Motorists are responsible for observing and complying with the times displayed on this signage.
Usually, the restrictions are in place for up to 60 minutes during the mornings and afternoons when parents drop off or pick up students.
The restrictions are not in effect during school holidays or on weekends.
Most Salford schools have the same holiday dates. A list of the school term dates can be found on our website. But some voluntary-aided, foundation, or academy schools may be slightly different.
School Streets are enforced using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology, in accordance with the Traffic Management Act 2004 and national guidance on Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE). Vehicles entering the restricted zone during operational hours without a valid exemption may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
In accordance with Statutory Guidance under the Traffic Management Act 2004, Salford City Council operates a six-month introductory period for all new School Street schemes. During this timeframe, a Warning Notice will be issued for a vehicle’s first recorded contravention at a specific site. Subsequent contraventions at the same location, or any contraventions occurring after the six-month period has expired, will result in the issuance of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Upon receipt of a Warning Notice, motorists who believe they meet the eligibility criteria must formally submit an application for an exemption assessment within 14 days. Please be advised that the issuance of a warning does not grant interim access; motorists must not enter the restricted street until formal, written confirmation of an exemption has been granted by the Council. Any entry prior to this confirmation may result in the issuance of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
The scheme is designed to improve safety and air quality around schools, supporting safer environments for pupils, parents, and staff.
The PCN is £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
People walking, scooting, using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and cycles (including adapted cycles) can use the School Street without restrictions.
All other motor vehicles are restricted during the operating times displayed on the signs, subject to some exemptions.
We encourage everyone to support the School Street, where they are able to walk or cycle, or avoid using the street during the times of operation.
The following motorised vehicles will be able to apply for a permit or exemption:
All other unauthorised motor vehicles entering the zone during restriction periods will be subject to enforcement action.
Please also note that access to the School Street via a permit or exemption, does not provide any exemption from any other traffic or parking restrictions within the School Street zone. Vehicles must continue to comply with all existing highway restrictions, including School Keep Clear markings, yellow line restrictions, and the prohibition of parking across residential driveways where dropped kerb access is in place.
Residents within a school street will be invited to apply for a school street permit by a letter sent to your address explaining how they can request a permit.
If you have essential needs such as a regular registered carer there will be an opportunity to apply for an additional permit, if required.
Blue badge holders of pupils attending this school, or other schools, will also be allowed to apply for an exemption by emailing: parking.services@salford.gov.uk
For details of how to apply for a permit or exemption please visit the School Street permit page.
If you have any further questions please read our frequently asked questions guide or email parking.services@salford.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 9 June 2026