A YORK school is the first in the region to join a national trial to close school streets to cars.

St Barnabas CE School in Jubilee Terrace will be car-free for one day as part of the two week cycling charity Sustrans' Big Pedal challenge, the UK’s biggest cycling, walking and scooting school competition.

The charity is calling on local authorities to close school streets during the school run to cut dangerous emissions

Jubilee Terrace will be closed to cars from 12.30pm - 4pm today for its first ever play street, to tackle congestion at the school gates and create a safe and enjoyable space for everyone to walk, cycle and play.

The event is organised by Sustrans, Playing Out and City of York Council during the UK-wide Big Pedal, from March 25 – April 5, when thousands of children compete to walk, scoot or cycle their school journeys.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOUR SCHOOL IS TAKING PART IN THE BIG PEDAL

The school will join 40 schools across England, Wales and Scotland, who are closing their streets to motor vehicles for one day to improve air quality and safety outside the school gates.

Head teacher, Karen Boardman, said: “We’re really excited to be taking part in the Big Pedal and to be hosting a play street.

"By closing the road outside the school to motor traffic during pick up time, we hope that we will see a reduction in congestion and pollution around the school gates, as well as children, parents and residents coming together to enjoy the benefits of a safer, cleaner street environment.”

A YouGov poll, shows 63 per cent of teachers would support a ban on motor vehicles outside school gates during school drop off and pick up times.

CLICK HERE FOR GALLERY OF 52 OLD PHOTOS OF ST BARNABAS CE SCHOOL

Rosslyn Colderley, Director of Sustrans in the North of England said: “We’re delighted that St Barnabas Primary school has joined 40 schools across the UK to demonstrate the potential of closing school streets. This is a great chance to experience the street as a place for people, not cars, and to try alternative ways of travel.

“We’re grateful that City of York Council has supported us to carry out this street closure to reduce air pollution and create a safer environment for families to walk and cycle, and we urge other local authorities to join them. We also call upon local and national government to implement clean air legislation to tackle motorised traffic, including large scale investment in walking and cycling to enable more people to choose active and cleaner ways to travel for local journeys.”

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for the environment at City of York Council, said: “Reducing the amount of traffic in and around our schools and encouraging more people to turn off their engines will not only help improve air quality but children’s health too. Here in York we’re already taking steps to make changes to improving air quality by introducing more electric Park & Ride buses later this year and introducing a clean air zone from 2020.”

Cllr Keith Myers, executive member for education, City of York Council, said: “Research shows that walking, cycling or scooting to school can help children’s concentration levels, as well as contributing to their overall health and wellbeing. I’m delighted that schools across the city are once again showing their support for the Big Pedal.”