Agenda item

The School Streets initiative had been implemented to improve the environment around schools, making it safer and healthier for children to walk, cycle, scoot, or use wheelchairs on their journey to and from school. When in operation, designated roads temporarily became pedestrian and cycle zones during school drop-off and pick-up times. By restricting motor vehicle access at the start and end of the school day, the initiative had helped reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve air quality around schools. It also enhanced road safety and encouraged physical activity among pupils.

Local residents and businesses had been able to apply for exemptions to access School Streets when necessary, while emergency service vehicles retained access at all times. Across London, over 600 School Streets had been established. In Haringey alone, 34 School Streets operated near 42 educational establishments, benefiting more than 16,000 pupils. Over 12km of streets in the borough had been converted into pedestrian and cycle zones during school-run hours, contributing to safer and cleaner travel for children.

It was recommended that the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport:

Recommendations:

2.1. Considered all responses, including objections to the proposed permanent traffic management orders, as set out in Appendix A together with the feedback themes and responses to objections as set out in Appendix G.

2.2. Agreed that the Council shall exercise its discretion to not cause a public inquiry to be held (see paragraph 5.34).

2.3. Approve that the SS50 Coldfall Primary School Street (Everington Road entrance) project (as shown in Appendix B) is implemented.

2.4. Authorised the Head of Highways and Parking to make all necessary traffic management orders (TMOs) and install/undertake all necessary highway infrastructure and works necessary to give effect to the School Street design set out in Appendix B of this report.

Reasons for decision

3.1. School Streets are a key priority for the Council, as set out within the School Street Plan1 , the Walking and Cycling Action Plan2 and the Corporate Delivery Plan (CDP 2024-26)3 .

3.2. The reasons for recommendation 2.3 are:

-       to improve the health of children by increasing active travel, and to reduce road danger and improve air quality near the school gate;

-       the school recognises the issues created by traffic and dangerous driving around the school

-       the proposal contributes towards the strategic objectives of the Council (see Section 6)

Alternative options considered

Do nothing

4.1. This option was rejected as not delivering the School Street would not meet the objectives set out in the Corporate Delivery Plan, the Transport Strategy, the Climate Change Action Plan, the Walking and Cycling Action Plan and the School Street Plan.