Plans for a new School Street in North London have sparked opposition, with locals warning it would force a three-mile detour to reach South Kenton Underground station, particularly affecting disabled and less mobile residents.
Proposed restrictions and opposition
Brent Council has proposed restricting vehicle access on Norval Road, Spencer Road, Nathans Road, Abbotts Drive, and The Link during school drop-off and pick-up times. The restrictions would apply between 8:15am and 9:15am and 2:30pm and 4pm on weekdays during term time. Residents within the zone, emergency vehicles, deliveries, taxis, and carers would be exempt.
The council says the measures aim to improve air quality, promote physical activity, and enhance road safety. However, a petition with over 110 signatures argues the scheme would cut off the main vehicle approach to South Kenton station and displace traffic onto surrounding roads.
Petition calls for redesign
Petition creator Peter Lee said alternative access to the station is poor. Using another entrance would require a three-mile driving diversion, and being dropped off outside the zone would mean a 500-metre walk, disproportionately affecting disabled and elderly residents. Lee also warned the scheme could worsen congestion by forcing more traffic onto The Fairway and nearby streets, increasing pollution there.
The petition calls for a smaller, targeted scheme, such as a one-way system on Spencer Road and Abbotts Drive, and restricting the School Street to just Spencer Road. Lee stated: “Children deserve safer journeys to school. Residents deserve access to their railway station. With better design, Brent Council can achieve both. But if it is not able to do this, then these plans should be dropped.”
Next steps
The consultation ends on Tuesday, July 7. Results will determine whether the proposals go ahead. Brent Council says School Streets make areas safer, quieter, and less polluted for children and families by reducing car volumes and encouraging walking and cycling.
