Seven new schools join Redbridge Schools Streets programme to create safer and healthier school journeys for local children
Published: 6 February 2025
Thousands more school children in the borough will enjoy safer and healthier school journeys as Redbridge’s successful School Streets programme is rolled out at a further seven schools following the February half-term holiday.
The new schools, where Redbridge’s School Street programme will go live from Monday 24 February, will be:
- Mossford Green Primary School
- Goodmayes Primary School
- South Park Primary School
- Wells Primary School
- Aidan's Catholic Primary Academy
- Chadwell Heath Academy
- Nightingale Primary School
Under the initiative non-residential motor vehicles will be unable to enter school street zones surrounding the schools, for around an hour, at the start and end of the school day during term times only.
The vehicle restrictions help eliminate dangerous traffic hotspots near the school making children less vulnerable to road accidents and create a safer journey to and from school.
Fewer vehicles by the school gate also helps reduce children’s exposure to harmful vehicle emissions, and encourage more walking, scooting, and cycling to school for a more active and healthier school journey.
Data from the 2023/2024 academic year shows in the seven new schools joining the School Streets Scheme at least 77% or more of its pupils live within 1 mile of the school making scooting, cycling and walking a more healthier travel alternative to using the car.
There are now 26 schools streets schemes in operation in the borough, including the newest ones, helping keep 18774 school children safer during the journey to and from school.
Local people and businesses within the new school street zones will be able to apply for exemption permits enabling them to access their properties as usual during the restriction periods.
Emergency services are not impacted and have unrestricted access at all times. Carers can also get free vehicle exemption permits to access School Street zone properties during restriction periods.
Head to our School Streets FAQs for answers to our most commonly asked School Streets questions: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/roads-and-pavements/redbridge-school-streets/
Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability Cllr Jo Blackman said: “I’m really pleased to welcome seven more schools to Redbridge’s School Streets programme and I would like to thank those that will be adjusting their travel route around these schools or are planning to use greener modes of transport to support the initiative. Redbridge’s School Streets scheme is critical to protecting children from traffic at the school gate, preventing accidents and keeping children safe. With calmer and quieter streets during school pick-up and drop-off times, children will be able to walk, scoot and cycle more safely to and from school.”
The most recent data relating to School Streets implemented last year show an overall reduction in traffic entering those streets by an average of 42% - helping eliminate dangerous traffic hotspots, and reduce toxic vehicle fumes, around school gates.
Local children whose schools are part of existing School Streets also shared their opinions on it:
Gabriel, 10, from Fullwood School said: “I think School Streets is a good idea because there are no more horning cars, and it’s less busy on the roads. We can also hear each other talk on the street when we are walking to school. Also, I chat more to my parents when we’re walking into school, but it was a bit less talking when we came to school in a car. I like that cars can’t go in certain parts near schools.”
Asiya, 9, also from Fullwood School added: “When I come to school there is less cars now and it feels nice and peaceful. I feel a wave of happiness coming into school because it’s calm on the road and a nice start to the morning for all of us.”
The seven new School Streets will become operational in the borough from Monday 24 February.
Signs will be in place to notify drivers that school street zones can only be accessed by cyclists and pedestrians at the displayed times unless vehicles have been granted an exemption.
Non-exempt vehicles entering the school streets zones when restrictions are in force will be identified by traffic enforcement cameras and issued with a fine.
For more information about Redbridge School Streets, and to apply for an exemption now, visit www.redbridge.gov.uk/school-streets.
Complementing the School Streets road restrictions will be the council’s established programme of active and sustainable transport initiatives through the School Active Travel Planning process.
Across the borough, the council provides schools with a wide range of support to champion schemes to improve air quality, active travel, and road safety around schools, including cycle training, scooter training, pedestrian skills training, and behaviour change activities. These encourage pupils and their parents to walk, cycle and scoot to school, rather than being driven.
Child Friendly Redbridge
The Redbridge School Streets Programme is just one of the ways the council is working towards becoming a UNICEF UK recognised child friendly borough, and delivering on the priorities of local children and young people.
As part of UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities and Communities programme, children from across Redbridge have told the council about the importance of clean air, tackling climate change, and improving road safety.
School Streets is an example of children shaping the council’s decision-making processes and shaping council policies, embodying the key principles of becoming a child friendly borough.
Find out more about Child Friendly Redbridge at www.redbridge.gov.uk/childfriendly
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