Westminster City Council has taken the decision to make School Streets permanent following a “successful” 18-month trial.
The council launched School Streets trials at a number of schools in January 2022.
The council monitored traffic, pedestrian, and air quality levels around primary schools during the trial period.
Active travel modes (walking/cycling/scooting) during the times of operation across all school locations averaged at 91.6%.
Morning drop-offs saw a reduction (33%) in nitrogen dioxide, while afternoon collections reduced by 61%.
With immediate effect, the 11 primary schools which took part in the trial will now see their School Streets scheme made permanent. The council is also looking to expand the scheme to a further five schools each year over a three-year programme.
Melissa Royle, deputy headteacher at Queens Park Primary school, said: “We’re really pleased School Streets are being made permanent. Cars used to come down here so fast and breathing in the car fumes was very unpleasant.
“The safety of our pupils is paramount, so this has made a huge difference.”
School Streets aim to create safer spaces around schools during school drop-off and collection times, to encourage pupils to walk, cycle and scoot on school journeys in an environment where the risk of collision with motor vehicles is reduced.
Westminster Council says roads around schools during peak times are often dominated by vehicles contributing to high levels of pollution and increased risks to pedestrians and cyclists, and road safety continues to be a serious issue, particularly on the walk to school.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, cabinet member for city management, said: “School Streets have been successful in reducing the number of vehicles around school at drop off and pick up times. This will have major benefits for air quality around our schools and make it safer for children to walk, cycle or scoot to school.
“I’m very pleased to announce that School Streets will now become permanent fixtures outside 11 of our primary schools and we will look to introduce more in other parts of Westminster.
“Westminster City Council is absolutely committed to improving road safety and encouraging sustainable and active forms of travel.”
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