School Streets clean air consultation is open
Published: 29 June 2022
Redbridge Council is consulting on creating an additional five School Streets schemes, reducing traffic and air pollution around schools to protect local children from accidents and harmful air pollution.
The consultation began on Thursday 16 June, and is open for six weeks. Under the initiative, welcomed by head teachers and parents, non-residential vehicles from outside the zone cannot enter streets surrounding the five schools for a period at the start and end of the school day, during term time only.
Residents who have cars registered to an address in these zones will still be able to use their cars during this time. This will eliminate dangerous traffic hotspots near the schools and make children less vulnerable to road accidents by creating a much safer journey to and from school.
The vehicle entry restrictions also reduce children's exposure to harmful air pollution from vehicle emissions. Evidence has shown this type of safety scheme also encourages walking, scooting and cycling to school, helping local children become healthier and making our borough greener.
Exemptions are available for residents and businesses located on the affected streets, blue badge holders requiring access and carers.
Following a successful pilot at Ilford-based Fairlop Primary School, SS Peter and Paul's Catholic Primary School, and Gordon Primary School, the scheme was introduced at four further schools in September 2021, Avanti Court Primary School, Wanstead Church School, Aldersbrook Primary School and Fullwood Primary School.
The Council has received positive feedback from the first seven schools, with headteachers highlighting the difference this has made for the school and residents.
Susan Johnson, Head Teacher of SS Peter & Paul’s Catholic Primary School, added: “The whole community at SS Peter and Paul’s is delighted with this project which has improved air quality and reduced congestion around the school. It is a much safer place for the children; thank you, Redbridge Council.”
The five schools included in the consultation this year are:
- Farnham Green Primary School
- Glade Primary School
- Highlands Primary School
- Manford Primary School
- Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Primary School
Letters containing information on the public consultation are going out this week to all residents and businesses on the affected roads and parents, inviting them to share their views on the proposed School Street scheme.
Please get involved and have your say, highlight any issues or raise any suggestions by completing the form on our website.
Redbridge Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride, Cllr Jo Blackman, said: “We are determined to tackle poor air quality and dangerous driving around schools pose a real and immediate threat to children and young people across our borough.
“These new school streets will provide a safer and cleaner environment for our children. School Streets are proven to be the most effective way to improve air quality, encourage healthier travel choices, and make the journey to school safer for children.
“Our seven existing School Streets schemes have delivered significant benefits and are popular with parents, residents and schools. We believe that all children should be entitled to a safer and healthier journey to school, which is why we are rolling this scheme out to five further schools, with more in the pipeline.”
All responses should be received by 23:59 on Wednesday 27 July 2022.
Please attend one of our pop-up information sessions, held at each School Streets location, between 27 June and 8 July 2022. Please check the above School Streets website for further details.
Redbridge School Streets also supports wider work across the borough to create a cleaner, green and healthier Redbridge, which includes measures to cut carbon emissions and reduce the amount of waste produced in the borough.
