Stockport council officers want to introduce an experimental School Streets on a 500-metre stretch of Half Moon Lane in Offerton to curb what parents and school staff have described as speeding and hazardous parking outside two primary schools.
What the proposal would do
The scheme would close the road during school drop-off and pick-up periods on five days a week, with exemptions issued to local residents so they could still drive to and from properties within the restricted area. Additional access would be retained for blue-badge holders, emergency vehicles, healthcare workers and utility companies.
The move follows funding awarded by Transport for Greater Manchester after both St Philip’s Catholic Primary and Dial Park Primary asked to be included in the programme. The council says an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) could last for up to 18 months, enabling different enforcement methods to be trialled before any permanent order is made.
Public reaction and consultation
Seventy-four people responded during the consultation period. Responses were split, with about half backing the change while a substantial minority opposed it. The ETRO would allow the council to run the scheme and gather feedback during the first six months to assess its effect on safety and traffic flow.
| Respondents | Responses |
|---|---|
| Total | 74 |
| Support | 50% |
| Oppose | 45.95% |
| Neutral/Undecided | Remainder |
"dangerous" and "anti-social" parking by parents, including on double yellow lines and dropped kerbs, was cited as a concern.
How enforcement could work
School Streets elsewhere in the country use different enforcement methods; these range from number-plate recognition cameras to physical road closures. The ETRO would give Stockport council the flexibility to trial approaches and monitor their impact before deciding whether to make the restrictions permanent.
- Who would still be able to access the road: residents with permits, blue-badge holders, emergency services, healthcare workers and utility companies.
- Duration of the experimental order: up to 18 months, with initial feedback collected over six months.
- Reason for the change: concerns about speeding and unsafe parking at school times.
For families who walk or cycle to St Philip’s and Dial Park, the scheme is intended to create a calmer environment at the school gates. For drivers who currently use Half Moon Lane during peak times, the change could require adjustments to routes or parking arrangements.
The proposal will be considered by Stockport Council’s area committee for Stepping Hill. If you live in the area or regularly drive down Half Moon Lane, keep an eye on the council’s committee papers for meeting dates and further details of when the ETRO might be implemented and how to apply for a permit.
Local residents have until the council publishes its formal committee agenda to make representations. The council will accept feedback during the pilot so it can assess whether the measures improve safety without causing unacceptable disruption to nearby streets.
