Following the most recent installation of new School Streets in Tooting and Earlsfield, the Council has now surpassed its target, with over 50% of primary schools in the borough now participating in the scheme. The School Streets programme reflects our commitment to making the borough a safer, healthier, and more sustainable place for all residents, especially our youngest learners.
The School Streets scheme temporarily closes roads near school entrances to motor traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, helping to reduce congestion, cut pollution, and create safer, more welcoming environments for children and families. By prioritising walking and cycling, the programme also encourages healthier, more active lifestyles for pupils and carers alike.
Cllr Jenny Yates, Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’re thrilled to have exceeded our target for School Streets, and the impact is clear – there is less congestion, cleaner air, and safer routes for our children outside all the schools where this has been implemented. School Streets make it easier for families to choose active travel, and we’ll continue working to extend these benefits across the borough.”
The School Streets initiative intends to:
- Reduce traffic congestion around schools,
- decrease air pollution from idling vehicles,
- promote more walking, cycling, and active travel among pupils and parents,
- discourage inconsiderate parking and dangerous driving manoeuvres, and
- create safer, cleaner, and greener environments for all.
Residents, businesses, and Blue Badge holders can apply for exemptions if they need access a School Street with camera controls during operational hours, ensuring the scheme works fairly for everyone.
Lisa Platts, Headteacher at St Boniface RC Primary School in Tooting said: “For a number of years we’ve had concerns about the health and safety of the children in our street. Children have really benefited from having a much quieter environment to start and finish their school day.
A pupil at the school said: “It makes me feel safe when I go down this road where there are no cars.”
The positive impact of School Streets is already being felt, with fewer vehicles travelling near school gates and less engine idling, helping to significantly reduce pollution in areas where children are most vulnerable.
This initiative is just one of many ways Wandsworth Council is delivering on its commitment to making the borough a better place to live, prioritising fairness, compassion, and sustainability for all.
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