Forum Topic

School Streets scheme

Does anyone have experience of a "School Streets" scheme and how its worked in practice in their area? Ealing are proposing implementing one for the streets immediately around Southfield Primary school, which would see non-residents traffic banned from the immediately adjacent streets during school dropoff and pickup hours.The theory is apparently that this initially pushes school traffic away from the handful of roads immediately next to the school, and in time leads to a reduction in traffic as people start putting their kids on the bus (I guess?). However, its also hard to see how this won't lead to at least some parents parking (for longer) in the "next street but one".  I have heard there is a School Streets scheme in Grove Park that's been up and running for a while - so if anyone has actual experience of whether they do have a beneficial effect, or any other experinces they could share that would be much appreciated. (Those wishing to share their generic opinions about the evils/joys/miraculous effects of cycle lanes/traffic calming/the car/pedestrians/tinfoil hats need not apply - there are plenty of other threads dedicated to you already :-) )

Tim Porter ● 2d4 Comments

I don't think many parents drive to either school where these school streets are proposed.The Orchard House one looks as though it won't be that effective as you will be able to park very close to the entrance on Bedford Road or nearby streets. The Southfield Primary School one will make it a bit more difficult for anyone dropping off by car but not by very much. The concern would be that rather than the long straight road with clear sight lines currently used, they'll be tempted to park on corners at junctions.It'll be interesting to see whether they install ANPR cameras to enforce. I don't think there is much non-local traffic on these roads at the times the restrictions are proposed other than delivery vans. If they spot the cameras, they too may end up parking on corners.

Anita Blake ● 16h

Researching further, it seems that most ‘school streets’ in other European countries use temporary barriers to safely enforce the required closure periods.

Peter Evans ● 2d

In a French village where we once stayed, rather than restriction signs with convoluted timings and who knows what enforcement outside their local school, they had two temporary gates which volunteer parents closed to block the road for the relevant periods. Simple and effective!

Peter Evans ● 2d

We have a number in and around Boston Manor and they have virtually no impact on the roads adjacent to or adjoining the school Street. They have achieved their objective of making the roads by schools quieter and safer without the need for draconian measures. This is proportionate and sensible use of traffic restriction.

N V Brooks ● 2d