What the community think of their School Street
The School Streets programme, where streets around an education provider are closed to non-residential vehicles during a period at drop off and pick up, started in 2020.
So far, 35 education providers in the borough are benefitting from the programme, and we know that they have a hugely positive impact. From existing School Streets, we’ve seen:
- a 7% reduction in school-related car use
- a 9% increase in active travel to school (walking, biking, scooting, cycling)
This is having a positive impact on children, parents, the school, residents and the community as a whole.
A school street:
- makes the school run feel safer and calmer for children and their families and creates a cleaner environment for our community
- encourages active travel to and from school which helps children meet the recommended 60 mins of physical activity per day across the week
- reduces congestion and pollution
Here’s what members of the community benefitting from a school street had to say:
“The school street has been a very positive change”
“We are thrilled with the positive impact the school street has had on our community. Families feel much safer walking to school and there have been no near misses like in previous years. It has also led to more children walking or cycling.
“Before the school street, I was concerned about potential challenges within the wider community, but those concerns have proven to be unwarranted. The process was smooth, and it has not impacted us negatively at all.
“ It did not cause any extra work for staff, just a bit of time to help everyone understand the new timeframes. The council has been incredibly supportive throughout the entire process, from working with classes and hosting workshops for parents to even doing an assembly. Overall, the school street has been a very positive change for our school community.”
Daniela Grasso, executive principal, Ark Byron Primary Academy
“Children are coming to school less stressed and more ready to learn”
“We used to have cars flying down the road and some children have nearly been run over. Now the roads are so much safer in the mornings and it’s healthier and less stressful for the children.
“We’re seeing children walking when they possibly wouldn’t have before and biking or scooting to school. They’re also coming to school less stressed and more ready to learn, because they’ve had some exercise.”
Laura Richter, deputy head teacher Drayton Green Primary
“I got back 30 minutes every day to welcome parents and check on our vulnerable families”
“Oaklands has seen great benefits from the School Street programme. Before we had it we had huge problems with people driving dangerously down the road, parking up on the pavements and blocking the road to other users. As soon as the school street came in this all stopped.
“I got back 30 minutes every day where I had felt like a traffic police officer. Not only was this a huge waste of my time, but it was also damaging to my relations with stressed parents who were trying to get to work. Now, I can spend that time welcoming parents into school and checking in with our most vulnerable families.
“The numbers of children walking, scooting or cycling to school has increased and the children feel safe on the road outside the school.”
Tessa Hodgson, head teacher, Oaklands Primary School
“The benefits to safety, wellbeing, and the environment far outweigh any initial challenges”
"Our School Street has been highly beneficial in improving safety, reducing congestion and creating a more positive environment around the school. It also supports sustainable travel, which was instrumental in achieving our gold accreditation, and it reflects our commitment to health, safety, and environmental goals, benefiting students and fostering community pride!
"When Ealing Council first approached us about the scheme we were initially concerned about staff and parent resistance and traffic displacement. However, these issues were minimal and resolved quickly.
"We had some minor challenges when it was first implemented, such as adjusting traffic patterns and staff working patterns, but they were addressed. There was also some additional effort on our part during the initial setup, but it was manageable with council support. They provided excellent support, making the process smooth and collaborative.
"Since getting a School Street, there’s been a clear increase in walking, cycling, and scooting to and from school, with fewer cars around the school, making travel safer and healthier. We’ve also found that our students arrive more focused and ready to learn, which has positively impacted their engagement during the school day."
Director of finance and facilities, M Bains, Villers High School, Southall
“It gives me a chance to have great conversations with my children”
“When I first heard about the school street being introduced at Viking Primary School, I wasn’t happy about not being able to drop my children off in the car. It would mean having to change our mornings to be up and out earlier to get to school.
“But I have really come to like it. As a family we are up earlier and in a better routine. The walk to school and back is not only a healthier option, it gives me a chance to have great conversations with my children.
“Although in the colder and wet months it would be nice to be able to jump in the car, the roads surrounding the school are calmer and safer for the children to travel on. This is why I would say the school street is a success and has improved the area massively.”
Parent of children at Viking Primary School
“I can now exit our close without hindrance”
“Downe Manor School Street scheme has been in operation since 14 October and I would like to say THANK YOU. We can now enter and exit our Close without hindrance and constant altercations with selfish drivers parking on the zigzag lines, corner or pavement of our road or even across it in some instances.
“I would also say the children using the school are less stressed, due to the chaotic traffic conditions pre the zone being put in place”
Local resident
“It feels a lot safer now”
“It feels a lot safer now, when I’m crossing the roads, I know I won’t get hurt. I walk to school and when I get there I feel like it’s a lot better for me, I’ve had some exercise.”
Pupil at Drayton Green Primary School