Greenwich Council has announced plans to add 14 new School Streets and make 11 existing ones permanent across the borough, using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for enforcement. The proposals aim to improve safety and air quality outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times, though critics argue they are revenue-generating measures through fines.
What are School Streets?
School Streets restrict motor vehicle access outside schools during peak times to create a safer, healthier environment for pupils and families. They encourage walking, cycling, or scooting to school and reduce air pollution. Currently, there are 11 School Streets in Greenwich and over 500 across London. The council is now proposing to make these 11 schemes permanent with camera enforcement.
Exemptions are suggested for residents living on the affected streets, SEND transport, carers, specified school staff, blue badge holders, and emergency services.
New proposed School Streets
The 14 schools proposed for new School Streets include:
- Bannockburn Primary School (Plumstead High Street)
- Bannockburn Primary School (Church Manorway)
- Christ Church of England Primary School
- Eglinton Primary School
- Henwick Primary School
- Heronsgate Primary School
- Kidbrooke Park Primary School
- Mulgrave Primary School
- Notre Dame Catholic Primary School
- Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School
- Saint Mary Magdalene Church of England Primary School (Woolwich)
- Sherington Primary School
- St Margaret Church of England Primary School
- Windrush Primary School
Permanent School Streets
The following existing School Streets will be made permanent:
- Charlton Manor Primary
- De Lucy School
- Deansfield Primary School
- Gordon School
- Haimo School
- Invicta Primary School (Blackheath)
- Invicta Primary School (Deptford)
- Montbelle Primary School
- St Joseph's School
- Wyborne Primary School
- St Thomas More Catholic Primary School
Council's perspective
Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Greenwich's Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste and Streets, said: “Many of us remember walking to or from school with our parents, stopping to play on the way, the little conversations we remember forever. But too many kids aren't able to make those memories, as parents worry the streets around schools are too busy. We're hoping to change that with these proposals for School Streets.”
He added: “As well as making the streets around schools safer, and with cleaner air, we hope these plans can encourage more families to walk, wheel, scoot or skate to school, giving our kids a calmer and more fun start and end to the school day. These plans will also ensure common sense flexibility for residents and school staff, improving the experience around the start and end of the school day for everyone.”
Consultation details
Greenwich Council is currently consulting on its School Streets proposals until August 19. Residents and stakeholders can participate by visiting the dedicated page on the council's website. The council highlights that a key benefit for nearby residents is the reduction of illegal or inconsiderate parking during school rush hours, a common issue nationwide.
