Works are set to start this week on ten trial Healthy School Streets, which will come into effect on 13 March 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 December, when a report was approved by Cabinet following an informal consultation on proposals for new schemes.
From Monday (20 February), local residents living within the scheme area will be eligible to apply for a free School Street Exemption permit, so they continue to have access at all times. Eligible residents will receive a written letter from the council this week.
In addition, the council will provide exemption permits to some road-users who may need access – including Special Educational Needs transport. Other vehicles, such as emergency services or refuse vehicles will be automatically exempt.
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 schools and schemes are listed below:
| Scheme | Included Schools |
| Rockmount | Rockmount Primary School |
| Kensington & Norbury High | Kensington Avenue Primary School Norbury High School for Girls |
| Harris Invictus | Harris Invictus Academy Croydon |
| Elmwood | Elmwood Infants School Elmwood Junior School |
| St James the Great | St James the Great Primary and Nursery School |
| Harris Upper Norwood | Harris Academy South Norwood (Beulah Hill Campus) |
| Oasis Byron | Oasis Academy Byron |
| St Peter’s | St Peter’s Primary School |
| Minster | The Minster Nursery & Infant School The Write Time School |
| Harris Crystal Palace | Harris City Academy Crystal Palace |
The temporary School Streets will be subject to a trial for up to 18 months from the day they become active (13 March 2023). Public consultation and data monitoring on the schemes’ effects is expected to take place during this period, with a decision on their future to be 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.
