Hundreds more children in Haringey will be enjoying safer and healthier journeys to school after the borough’s council approved plans for two new School Streets.
On 17 October, councillors gave the go-ahead for the introduction of School Streets at Noel Park Primary and St Paul’s Catholic Primary following an extensive listening and engagement exercise.
Haringey has one of the fastest growing School Streets programmes with more than 11,000 children at 28 schools already benefiting from 24 zones, spanning 6km.
The council aims to almost treble the number of School Streets to 61 by 2026, impacting up to 36,000 children.
Haringey Council points to evidence which shows a 42% reduction in traffic across existing School Streets in the borough, as well as vehicle emissions (NOx) down by 26%.
Cllr Mike Hakata, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, environment and transport, said: “These schemes are a welcome addition to our ambitious School Streets programme, a crucial initiative promoting healthier, safer and more vibrant spaces.
“The projects made permanent have already demonstrated reduced traffic, improved air quality, more walking and cycling, and high parent and teacher support.
“The School Streets programme represents a commitment to healthier, greener, and more connected neighbourhoods for generations to come.”
The new schemes will be introduced as part of Adaptive Wood Green – a set of council projects that aim to tackle air pollution, promote active travel to school, and improve facilities on offer within local green spaces.
The projects include multiple enhancements to the public realm and traffic safety measures such as rain gardens, widened footways at crossings, reduced crossing distances, cycle stands at the school entrance, accessibility improvements, and renewed paving, aiming to create a much more comfortable and liveable place to live, learn, work and play.
26 October 2023