Sawtry Junior Academy has introduced new time-restricted yellow lines around the school entrance in a bid to limit parking and enhance pupil safety during peak times.

Due to the school being located in the centre of the village, there are multiple roads to cross and traffic congestion from nearby Sawtry Infants School and Sawtry Village Academy.

The school says this previously resulted in 'chaotic traffic patterns and crowded pedestrian areas at peak times, posing risks to the safety of pupils arriving at and departing from the school'.

The initiative was made possible with the support of the Sawtry Parish Council, Cambridgeshire County Council Highways, and the local community.

The new yellow lines will be enforced during school drop-off and pick-up times, ensuring that critical areas remain clear and safe for children crossing the roads.

Sarah Flack, headteacher of Sawtry Junior Academy, has been campaigning for safer road management at the site since 2021.

She said she is delighted that her efforts have paid off: "I’m very thankful to Sawtry Parish Council and Councillor Simon Bywater for their support in making this happen.

"The safety of our pupils is our top priority, and these new measures will significantly contribute to a safer environment."

Rosemary Mullen, the Local Authority Road Safety Officer, who played a crucial role in the project, added: "Working with Sawtry Junior Academy has been a pleasure.

"Their commitment to road safety is commendable, and these new traffic measures will help to create a safer environment for everyone in the community."

The initiative had the backing of the neighbouring Sawtry Infants School, with headteacher Yasmine Trace also involved in campaigning for the new measures.

Sarah Flack added: “Our parents have been brilliant in their co-operation and respect for the new rules, which has made the transition smooth and successful.

"It has been great to work with the local community to keep our pupils safe as they travel to and from school”.

(Image: Sawtry Junior Academy)