Proposal To Introduce More School Streets
Plans include Southmead, Ibstock Place and The Alton schools
Restrictions would apply at start and end of the school day
Wandsworth Council has announced plans to extend its network of “School Streets”.
It has initiated public consultations into five schemes in the borough including Southmead in Southfields and at neighbouring Ibstock Place as well as the The Alton primary school in Roehampton.
Local residents and families at these schools have been invited to online workshops, where they can raise questions and make suggestions on the design of these schemes.
There are already 19 School Streets schemes covering 20 schools. The initiative sees restrictions introduced on the roads containing school entrances when pupils arrive in the mornings and leave in the afternoons.
ANPR cameras which recognise vehicle number plates have been introduced at some locations. Others use barriers to enforce the restrictions when the schemes are operating.
Vehicles that are exempt from these restrictions include those driven by residents who live inside the School Street zone, disabled motorists who possess a blue badge, parents or carers of disabled children who hold a WAND card, care workers and taxis visiting an address inside the zone.
Motorists are alerted to the presence of a School Street by road signs displayed at entrances to these zones, while at some locations retractable bollards and temporary barriers are used to further deter vehicle access.
Vehicles already parked in a School Street before its hours of operation come into effect can leave without being penalised or impeded. The schemes do not operate in the school holidays or at weekends.
Schools engaged in the programme will also be supported by Sustrans (the walking and cycling charity) which will offer a range of behaviour change activities such as cycling sessions, mapping activities and free Dr Bike maintenance checks.
Transport spokesman Cllr John Locker said, “We know that these schemes help make children’s journeys to and from school safer, but it’s important we listen to the views of parents, teachers, residents and businesses to make sure we get these measures right.
“Encouraging families to walk or cycle to school instead of travelling by car is a key aim, as it’s better for both physical and mental health and also helps efforts to deliver better air quality too.”
Schools and education spokesman Cllr Will Sweet added, “Keeping children and their parents safe on the journey to school is of paramount importance. These schemes help achieve that goal which is why I’m a big fan of these initiatives.”
To take part in the consultations and view maps showing where these new School Streets would operate, visit the council’s website. People who would prefer to fill out a paper copy of the questionnaire or need a copy in a different language or format, should email schoolstreets@wandsworth.gov.uk with 'School Street Consultation' in the subject line.
The consultation concludes on 25 February.
If these plans proceed on a trial basis, a further consultation exercise will be held for each proposed School Street during the first six months of operation so that local people and businesses have a chance to give additional feedback.
For information on who is eligible to apply for an exemption to the restrictions and how to apply visit the School Streets exemptions page on the council’s website.
Other schools at which restrictions are proposed area John Burns primary school in Battersea, Beatrix Potter in Earlsfield.
Schools can register their interest in joining the scheme by emailing schoolstreets@wandsworth.gov.uk.
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February 4, 2022