Works will begin this week to build nine trial Healthy School Streets, which will come into force on 23 January, 2023.
Healthy School Streets aim to improve safety around schools and encourage more pupils to walk, cycle and scoot more often, by limiting motor traffic on the surrounding roads during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Plans for the trials were approved in October, when a report was presented following an informal consultation on proposals for 11 new schemes.
From today (Tuesday 13 December), local residents living within the scheme area will be eligible to apply for a free School Street Exemption permit, so they can have access at all times.
In addition, the council will provide exemption permits to some road-users who may need access – including SEN transport. Other vehicles, such as emergency services or refuse vehicles will be automatically exempt.
Eligible residents will have recently received a written letter from the council, however due to the Royal Mail industrial action, there may be a delay in the post.
For more information on exemption permits, including eligibility criteria and maps, as well as the links needed to apply for permits, visit the council website.
The new temporary schemes are set to launch at the following schools:
- South Norwood Primary School (SE25 5QP)
- Howard Primary School (CR0 1DT)
- Gonville Academy (CR7 6DL)
- Kenley Primary School & Kindergarten (CR3 0EX)
- Park Hill Junior & Infants School (CR0 5NS)
- Oasis Academy Shirley Park (CR0 7BE)
- The Crescent Primary School & The BRIT School (CR0 2HN)
- St Cyprian’s Greek Orthodox Primary Academy (CR7 8DZ)
- Good Shepherd Catholic Primary and Nursery School (CR0 0RG)
The temporary School Streets will be subject to a trial for up to 18 months, from the day they become active (23 January). Public consultation and data monitoring on the schemes’ effects is expected to take place during this period, with a decision on their future taken before the end of the trial.
During the first six months, the council collects formal objections as well as feedback, which is used to see if any improvements can be made.
More information about Healthy School Streets, and how to give your views can be found on the council website.
ENDS.
Notes to editors:
The council currently has 24 schemes, and these new additions will bring the borough’s total to 43, due to the recent approval of 10 more trials at Cabinet last week.
