CONCERNS over traffic congestion outside Springfields Academy in Calne have resurfaced, just months after Wiltshire Council and local councillors announced changes aimed at easing the problem.
In November 2024, Calne Police acknowledged community complaints and confirmed that patrols were being carried out on Curzon Street at peak times. Officers advised drivers against parking inappropriately and said they would liaise with the school, council and transport providers to develop a coordinated approach. “The safety of students, pedestrians and passing road users will always be top priority to us,” a police statement read.
The following month, Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney and Cllr Robert MacNaughton met with school leaders, highways officers and Wiltshire Police. At the time, new arrangements were agreed for taxis to arrive later in the day, with council staff on site to manage entry. The move was expected to put an end to the daily tailbacks.
But in recent weeks, residents have once again taken to community Facebook groups to complain of long queues and safety risks outside the school. Posts described traffic on the A4 as a “disaster” and warned of vehicles blocking driveways, delaying emergency services and causing dangerous manoeuvres.
It was these complaints that prompted Cllr Pearce-Kearney and Cllr Augusta Nicholls to visit the site this week. Between 2:20pm and 2:40pm, they reported seeing significant congestion, including an ambulance being unable to get through and a car almost reversing into a pedestrian.
Cllr Nicholls said: “Residents have also reported ongoing issues with parents and taxis parking on residential streets, which causes further disruption. While early taxi arrivals were less of a problem than anticipated, with only one taxi arriving before the gates opened, around five parent vehicles were already queuing on the A4 before opening time.
"It’s clear that more needs to be done on traffic management in the area, and we will be seeking further engagement with the school to find a solution.”
The specialist academy, based on Curzon Street, supports pupils with autism and speech, language and communication needs. It expanded in autumn 2024 with the help of Wiltshire Council, refurbishing the former Aspen building to create 40 additional places and increase capacity from 210 to 250 students.
While many have welcomed the additional provision, some residents have suggested the school site has outgrown its location. Cllr Pearce-Kearney emphasised that families should not be blamed for the disruption: “I recognise the traffic problems have re-emerged outside The Springfields Academy. For me, it is important that the Council approaches this issue collaboratively. We have requested a meeting with the school to discuss solutions.
"I also want to be clear: it is not acceptable to blame the parents or children who attend. They are entitled to go to school there, just like any other family in Calne. I thank everyone for their patience and ask that people play their part by being mindful of others in our community, ensuring they park and drive safely outside all schools around Wiltshire.”
Further discussions between the council, school leaders, police and highways officers are expected in the coming weeks.
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