Transport for London (TfL) has announced plans to ban motorists from 200 additional roads outside schools during specific hours, as part of a broader initiative to make walking the preferred mode of travel for Londoners. The measure, which aims for full rollout by 2030, is designed to establish walking as the "first choice of travel to school for even more Londoners."
Expansion of School Streets Scheme
The scheme will designate 200 new roads as School Streets, which impose vehicle restrictions during school drop-off and pick-up times. By the end of April last year, more than 800 roads across the capital already held this designation, according to TfL figures. The transport authority states that School Streets help "improve air quality and reduce road danger by reducing motor traffic and providing additional space."
Borough Responsibilities and Data Support
Establishing a School Street in London falls under the remit of the capital's individual boroughs. During 2024, TfL supplied each borough with information demonstrating the degree of appropriateness and requirement for a School Street outside every primary and secondary school, as well as nursery, within their areas.
Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
TfL's walking and wheeling action plan also outlines an objective of installing 1,000 new zebra or signalised pedestrian crossings by 2031. Every new signalised crossing will incorporate pedestrian countdown timers. Additional crossings, especially those situated outside schools, are being configured to display a green man signal instantly following button activation, provided it hasn't been pressed within the previous 30 seconds. Currently, 472 crossings operate under this status, while 18 exhibit a constant green signal for pedestrians until an approaching vehicle is detected. Zebra crossings on side roads at junctions will also be piloted along TfL's major routes.
Supporting Mayor's Transport Goals
The scheme is designed to support Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan's goal for 80% of journeys across the capital to be completed on foot, by bicycle, or via public transport by 2041. Christina Calderato, director of transport strategy at TfL, said: "Walking is already at the heart of how Londoners get around, but we know too many people are still put off by safety concerns, poor crossings or inaccessible streets. This new plan sets out how we'll change that by making it easier and more pleasant to walk for everyday journeys, whether that's getting to school, the station or the local high street."
Will Norman, London's walking and cycling commissioner, added: "The mayor and I are determined to make walking the safest, easiest and most enjoyable way of getting around London. This new plan will help us drive further progress in cleaning up our air and tackling congestion."
