Ten successful and locally celebrated School Street schemes will be returning soon following a green light from the council’s committee.
Schools Streets have been brought in across the borough to encourage healthy journeys for the school run, reducing air pollution and improving safety around schools during those busy hours.
Ten of the schemes were temporarily paused due to the expiry of a traffic order on 28 February. The schemes could not be made permanent at that time as a result of Covid-19 lockdowns affecting the previous consultation period.
The ten sites are:
- Christ Church CofE Primary School
- Downsview Primary School
- Ecclesbourne Primary School
- Harris Primary Academy Haling Park
- Keston Primary School
- Harris Primary Academy Croydon
- Oasis Academy Reylands
- Ridgeway Primary School
- St Thomas Becket Catholic Primary
- St Joseph’s Catholic Junior School
This decision is subject to a short period of scrutiny, and should that pass, the schemes would be back in operation by 25 April.
Following feedback from the previous consultation, the council has also decided to implement extra signage at Haling Road, Keston Ave, Montpelier Road, and Southcote Road that goes beyond legal expectations, to offer more advanced warning for drivers to avoid penalty charge notices.
A new consultation will begin on 25 April as the experimental schemes are put in place, and will provide an opportunity for the public to give feedback on the schemes. Responses can be submitted online or by writing to the council – further details will be available in the coming weeks via the council website.
This week, the council was also granted new funding for more School Street schemes from Transport for London. More details are expected in the coming months.
“We know how significant the benefits are for pupils, staff, and the local community of these School Streets, and I am delighted to be able to quickly return them next month. All schools have reported an increase in pupils walking, cycling and scooting during the school run, which provides physical and mental health benefits, while also reducing harmful air pollution. We will continue to work with schools to find more opportunities for safer, greener travel options as we work to make a healthier, more sustainable Croydon.”
Councillor Muhammad Ali, cabinet member for sustainable Croydon
The ten School Streets will return under an experimental traffic order for 18 months, and drivers should be aware that once the schemes return, the council will resume issuing penalties for driving through the restrictions during operating hours.