Delivering Safer, Walkable Streets in Oldham
Tracsis Traffic Data’s Role in Greater Manchester’s First School Street Pilot.
The Challenge
Medlock Way - home to both primary schools - saw nearly 300 cars being driven daily during school-run periods, with 70% of pupils arriving by car. This congestion caused safety concerns, poor air quality, and reduced opportunities for active travel. Oldham Council sought to reclaim the street for people by trialing a School Street model - but success depended on clear, credible data to demonstrate impact and gain community buy-in.
Our Solution
Tracsis Traffic Data delivered a full-service monitoring solution designed around the pilot’s objectives:
Baseline Travel Audits
Pre-scheme surveys established current mode share and highlighted that over half of school families lived within walking distance - indicating strong potential for behaviour change.Multi-Modal Traffic Counts
Tracsis deployed traffic counters on Medlock Way and surrounding streets to assess vehicle flows, identify displacement, and track changes in peak-time traffic patterns.Pedestrian Counts & Movement Analysis
Tracsis monitored walking rates during school times, quantifying how many more children were choosing to walk, scoot, or cycle.
Key Outcomes
✅ Traffic Volume Reduced
Vehicle activity outside the schools dropped dramatically during the trial. Medlock Way transformed into a calmer, safer zone - free from typical gridlock and kerbside parking manoeuvres.
✅ Active Travel Increased
Walking and cycling grew significantly. Peak-time pedestrian counts rose by 75% to 200%, with over 400 people walking in the afternoon peak - many of whom previously arrived by car.
✅ Safer Journeys Achieved
Parents and school staff reported a safer, more relaxed environment. With fewer vehicles, children could cross freely, and arrival routines became less stressful and more social.
✅ Positive Health & Environmental Effects
While formal air quality monitoring continues, anecdotal reports highlighted a “cleaner and quieter” atmosphere. Fewer idling cars also meant reduced exposure to exhaust fumes at the school gate.
✅ Strong Community Support
Parents, teachers and local residents embraced the change. A follow-up survey showed that 65% supported making the scheme permanent, and many said the safer streets had changed their travel habits for the better.
Conclusion
This project demonstrated that with the right data, streets can be transformed. Tracsis Traffic Data enabled Oldham Council to plan, measure, and communicate the success of the pilot - supporting safer, healthier school journeys without disruption.
As more authorities look to introduce School Streets, Tracsis is proud to provide the trusted data and insight needed to make them work - scaling safe, people-first streets across the UK.
Recognised Best Practice
Oldham Council’s School Streets pilot programme was awarded the ICE North West Future Resilience Award (2025) for its effective delivery and lasting community impact. It now serves as a template for other School Streets across Greater Manchester and beyond.
“We could not have captured the data without your assistance and professionality! 39k extra walked miles at least per academic year from one school street alone!.”
