Hackney launches 9th ‘School Street’

Hackney’s 9th School Street launched last week at William Patten Primary School in Stoke Newington. 

It sees Lancell Street, part of Dumont Road and part of Dynevor Road closed to motor traffic at school opening and closing times, improving local air quality and making it easier for children to walk and cycle to school. 

The latest School Street is part of the council’s plans to roll-out the scheme to 17 primary schools by 2021 – a year ahead of its original 2022 target – and then expand it to all remaining primary schools in the borough. 

Currently, streets in Tower Hamlets, Islington, Birmingham, Hackney, Greenwich, Camden, Croydon, Bristol and Lambeth are all trialling the initiative to improve air quality for pupils.

(From L to R) Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, Liana Wood (School Travel Champion), Paige and Cllr Gilbert Smyth

A recent review of Hackney’s first four School Streets showed that traffic and vehicle emissions outside the school gates is down and the number of children walking and cycling to school is up.

The schemes have also proved popular with residents with the latest consultations showing 86% and 69 % support.

In September, a Sustrans poll revealed 90% of parents and residents would back a School Streets scheme in their area.

Cllr Jon Burke, Cabinet Member for Energy, Waste, Transport and Public Realm said: ‘We’re committed to tackling London’s toxic air, reducing the motor vehicle emissions driving the climate emergency, and reclaiming our roads for walking and cycling.

‘By accelerating our School Streets programme, we’re helping to provide more kids with the best environment in which to walk and cycle to school.’