Hackney Council has announced it is retaining 30 trial School Streets, which have been supporting 13,000 children walk, cycle and scoot to school.
Introduced in Autumn 2020, the School Streets temporarily close roads to most traffic outside schools at opening and closing times.
Following the cabinet’s decision, Hackney says it now has the country’s largest School Streets programme – with 84% of the borough’s primary schools and 15% of secondary schools covered by a School Street.
In making the trial School Streets permanent, the council adds that it considered feedback from local residents, alongside polling and traffic monitoring.
In representative polling of Hackney residents released this month, more than 70% of residents wanted to see at least some of Hackney’s School Streets made permanent.
Cllr Mete Coban MBE, cabinet member for energy, waste, transport and public realm, said: “We’re proud to be leading the way on School Streets, with more in Hackney than anywhere else in the country.
“The results are plain to see at any school: kids walking, cycling or scooting to school, enjoying clean air and living more active lives.
“School Streets are helping to rebuild a greener Hackney for thousands of our borough’s young people.”
18 March 2022