Local people reminded to get a vehicle exemption permit if they live in a School Street zone

Six new schools are now part of the Redbridge School Streets programme and are operating school street zones to create safer and healthier school journeys for pupils.

The new school streets in operation are at: 

• Christchurch Primary School
• Cleveland Road Primary School
• Newbury Park Primary School
• Uphall Primary School
• Oakdale Infant School
• Oakdale Junior School
• Farnham Green Primary School is already part of the School Street Programme, and has now extended their School Street zones to Douglas Road

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.

Local people and businesses residing within the school street zones are being reminded to apply for a free vehicle exemption permit enabling them to access their properties as usual during the traffic restriction periods.

To apply for an exemption visit www.redbridge.gov.uk/school-streets

The vehicle restrictions help eliminate dangerous traffic hotspots near the schools, making children less vulnerable to road accidents by creating a safer journey to and from school.

Fewer vehicles by the schools also help 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.

Signs are 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.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability Cllr Jo Blackman said: “I’m really pleased to welcome six more schools to Redbridge’s School Streets Programme, and want 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. 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.”

Following a feedback session with schools who joined the Redbridge School Streets programme over a year ago, the initiative was given a thumbs up by local pupils.

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, 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.”

For more information about Redbridge School Streets visit www.redbridge.gov.uk/school-streets.