Harrow Council says thousands of the borough’s pupils will benefit from its decision to make four Schools Streets permanent.
School Streets involve closing roads outside of schools to motor traffic at the start and end of the school day.
The aim is to reduce congestion and improve air quality, as well as making it easier and safer to walk or cycle to school.
The School Streets at Grimsdyke School, Newton Farm School, Marlborough Primary School and Park High School in Harrow were implemented on a trial basis in 2020.
Harrow Council says the decision to make them a permanent fixture follows ‘extensive engagement’.
Cllr Varsha Parmar, portfolio holder for environment and climate, said: “I am delighted these School Streets will now be made permanent, continuing the safety and well-being of our children and young people as they travel to school.
“This decision follows extensive engagement with residents and the school communities – we’ve listened to local residents and made improvements to the schemes, adding more signage and moving to permanent Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.”
Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said: “These schemes are essentially about road safety for our children.
“We consulted widely and have listened to residents, and the schools about the schemes.
“Children’s feedback was positive and spoke about feeling safer when crossing the road and being able to scoot, walk or cycle to school. They welcomed the impact the School Street is having on their well-being.”
16 February 2022