Hundreds of pupils could have safer journeys to school under plans to expand Croydon’s innovative School Streets programme into one of London’s largest schemes.
Up to eight new School Streets – pedestrian zones operating during the school run – could be introduced after the idea received nearly 70 per cent positive feedback in a public consultation.
The scheme, which is to go before the council’s Traffic Management Advisory Committee next Wednesday (24 July), would cover 12 schools, building on the successful pilots at three schools which led to 250 fewer children travelling to school by car.
The roads being considered are outside:
- Norbury Manor Primary
- Downsview Primary & nursery
- Harris Academy Purley
- Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School
- Winterbourne Junior Girls School
- Winterbourne Junior Boys Academy
- Winterbourne Nursery and Infant School
- Harris Primary Academy Kenley
- West Thornton Primary Academy
- Cypress Primary
A trial order to introduce a larger temporary scheme for Fairchildes Primary School and Meridian High School is being considered separately.
Ten-year-old Samantha Gadsby, a year five junior travel ambassador for Fairchildes Primary School, said: “I think a School Street is a good idea because if people are trying to cross the road and there are not so many cars it will be easier, safer and you wouldn’t have to wait as long.”
Jo Hussey, head of Fairchildes Primary School, said: “We want our children and families to be safe going to and from school and hope that with a safer road parents will be happier for children to ride their bikes to school or come on their scooters.”
The new schemes would be introduced in phases between September and January. The first would be for Norbury Manor Primary, Downsview Primary & Nursery, Harris Academy Purley and Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School.
“I’m delighted with how popular our School Streets proposals have been. The pilot schemes were a huge success, encouraging hundreds of families to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or scoot to school.
“I hope more pupils across the borough will be able to benefit from the scheme as we work towards creating one of London’s largest programmes of School Streets.”
Councillor Stuart King, cabinet lead for environment and transport
