Havering may be introducing "10 or so" more School Streets later this year following positive feedback from those involved in the schemes so far.

Key to the local authority’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions and promoting active travel, the initiative sees certain roads near to schools closed to traffic on weekdays during term time, when pupils are picked up and dropped off. 

However, not all traffic is banned, with walkers, cyclists, permit holders and residents still able to travel through. Blue Badge holders and emergency vehicles are also among those able to apply for exemptions.

Havering Council has so far implemented School Streets in two phases, with a pilot first run in September 2020 before being made permanent in January 2022, and phase two rolled out in September last year.  

These remain in-place on a temporary basis, with the council saying it will engage with residents towards the end of 2023 to decide whether to keep or remove them.

A survey of School Streets schemes across the capital, released by Transport for London (TfL) in March 2021, indicated they reduce nitrogen dioxide by up to 23 per cent during the morning drop-off. A separate study of five schemes in London found 70-90pc less motorised vehicles were present during the enforcement periods. 

According to a report published ahead of a Havering Council places overview and scrutiny sub-committee on March 7, the existing School Streets “have been reviewed and all seem to be operating well”. 

According to the document, "feedback from schools within phase one and phase two has been positive".

While noting some displacement into adjacent streets can occur, it adds: “The council continues to monitor this and take account of feedback as received. Transport for London (TfL) has allocated funding to assess this impact and undertake work to better understand it and consider mitigation.

“Officers will work with residents and members to identify issues and resolve through further parking restrictions as the School Streets programme develops.” 

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The report said that, between September and December 2022, around 6,000 fines were issued to those entering the School Streets during drop-off and pick-up times – a figure it says indicates a “high level of compliance”, equating to around five contraventions per zone per day. 

The council estimates that an additional 10 School Streets may be possible this year, with all remaining schools considered suitable due to be contacted. 

A timetable outlined in the report indicates that a decision on any new School Streets will be confirmed in May, with go-live planned for September.