Hawthorn Avenue

Creating Safer Streets Around Hawthorn Avenue

In 2023 and 2024, we launched the first phase of our Safer Streets for Schools project on Hawthorn Avenue by working with local schools' community through a survey and school gate event to shape the changes on the street. With funding from Active Travel England, in April 2025, these improvements were made:

• A new raised zebra crossing to slow traffic and improve conditions when crossing
• New speed cushions outside Colchester Academy
• New pencil-shaped bollards and footway resurfacing
• Bus stop repositioning
• School Street Enforcement – officer will more frequently enforce restrictions as well as encourage considerate parking
• Bikeability Training – Cycle safety training for pupils

What we've also offered the schools:

• School Travel Plans – We’re supporting schools to create or continue their plans with help from our Travel Plan team
• Active Travel Pledges – We encourage pupils to sign these each year to promote healthy, sustainable travel
• Car Sharing Materials – Encouraging families to share lifts where possible
• Sustainable Travel Route Maps – Helping families find the best walking and cycling routes
• Pedestrian Road Safety Training – Teaching children how to stay safe on foot
• Educational Materials – Including resources on air quality and anti-idling

Priorities for future funding include:

• Introducing more green space, speed limits and signage.
• Exploring additional crossing points.
• Widening footpaths.
• Introducing segregated cycle paths.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please get in touch at sgh.routes@essex.gov.uk.