Last night (Wednesday 12 October), plans to introduce an additional nine Healthy School Street schemes, affecting 10 local schools, on a trial basis were approved by Cabinet.

Following an informal consultation earlier this year, pupils at 10 Croydon schools could make safer, healthier journeys, as the council plans to expand its programme that already includes 24 schemes across the borough.

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.

The new trials 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 nine schemes will be subject to a trial for up to 18 months. Public consultation and data monitoring on the schemes’ effects is expected to start when the trial launches, with a decision on their future taken before the end of that period.

During the first six-months of the trial, the council collects formal objections as well as feedback, which is used to see if any improvements can be made.

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.

Jason Perry

“School Street schemes can encourage healthy journeys during the busy school run and address road safety issues.

“Listening to local residents, schools, and the whole community has been an important priority. We have listened and will keep listening throughout the trial process to make sure the schemes are accomplishing their intended goals”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

The decision is subject to scrutiny, and more information regarding the timeline for works will be made available in the coming weeks.

More information about Healthy School Streets can be found on the council website.