Consultations launched on plans for school streets scheme in Havering

James Oglethorpe Primary School might take part in the scheme (Credit: Google Maps)

Consultations have been launched on plans to trial a school streets scheme at several sites across Havering. 

The local council wants to stop non-essential vehicles from entering roads around 12 schools during opening and closing times. 

Only pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles would be allowed to access the zones while the restrictions are in place, with exceptions made for emergency vehicles. 

Anyone caught entering them during the unauthorised hours would be fined. The zones would be monitored by cameras mounted on lamp columns and signs would be in place to warn motorists about them.  

Havering Council said the scheme would improve road safety, reduce air pollution and encourage more children to exercise. 

It has launched multiple consultations to gather local residents views on the project before implementing it. 

The schools being considering for the trial are Benhurst Primary School, Drapers Academy, Drapers Maylands and Lime Academy School, Drapers Pyrgo, Emerson Park Academy School, Engayne Primary School, Hall Mead School, James Oglethorpe Primary School, Parsonage Farm Primary School, Redden Court School, The RJ Mitchell School, St Edwards Primary School and St Peters Primary School.

Around 14 per cent of children killed on Britain’s road in 2018 died during the morning school run while 23 per cent died after school between 3pm and 5pm according to research by the Department for Transport. 

Branfil Primary School, Hylands Primary School and Squirrels Heath Infant and Junior School are already part of a school streets scheme. 

If you would like to respond to one of the consultations, you can do so online here. 

For more on this story, and the latest on our other local and national news, listen to Time 107.5FM