Enforcement of healthy school streets to be reinstated

As Newham students begin to return to school in September, the Council has announced that enforcement of the Healthy School Streets schemes for West Ham CoE Primary School, Lathom Junior School, Godwin Junior School, Woodgrange Infant School and Chobham Academy will resume from September 3.

That means anyone entering the streets included in the scheme face a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice) for driving a vehicle on a designated street during the times set out. The scheme is policed by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

As before, only residents who live on these streets and are on the exemption list, Blue Badge holders and emergency services will be able to drive here during these times.

The Healthy School Streets scheme aims to improve the environment outside schools by improving local air quality, encouraging more walking and cycling, making it safer for school children to cross local roads, reduce traffic, and reduce traffic noise.

With public transport still running at reduced levels as a result of COVID-19, it is more important than ever that children, parents and carers are encouraged, where possible, to make school-run journeys by walking, cycling or scooting.

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, cabinet member for education, health and adult social care said; “We are re-introducing enforcement of the Healthy School Street schemes, which was paused when schools were forced to close due to COVID-19. We want as many pupils as possible to choose walking or cycling for the daily journeys to and from school, so we are re-introducing the schemes to make such journeys safer and more pleasant.

“The Healthy School Streets scheme was incredibly successful when we introduced it last September, with both parents and pupils enjoying the opportunity to enjoy a safer, cleaner and healthier school run, which also helps improve the air quality and  environment around school buildings.”