Sign up to join a webinar - 29 September and 7 October 2020
About school streets
A
school street is a road near a school with restricted access to vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times. The restricted area is also called a
school safety zone.
School streets allow children to safely walk, cycle and scoot into school. Reducing vehicle journeys is important for improving air quality, climate change and will help to support a green recovery following restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find out more about school streets, see our
School Streets Guide.
There are currently three
school safety zones in operation in Merton, affecting four streets, following a
consultation in 2019.
Expanding the school streets programme
To help children to be safe from traffic and high levels of air pollution, we plan to expand the school streets programme.
List of Planned School Streets
Cabinet report and decisions
Timetable
In July and August we worked with schools to prepare for school streets. The statutory consultation started in September 2020 as vehicle restrictions were put in place. The statutory consultation will run for a period of 6 to 12 months. By the 18th month, a final decision will be taken about which school streets will be made permanent and their final design.
Consultations
As part of the Experimental Order process, you can submit your comments for the implemented School Streets using the following links for each school. However, we respectfully request that comments are made after November 2020 when you have had the opportunity to experience the improvements.
Webinars
You are invited to attend one of our school street webinars. These online sessions will introduce the expansion of Merton's School Streets programme and offer an opportunity to ask questions and share your views with the speakers.
Register to attend a webinar
Speakers
- Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, Merton Council
- Katie Halter, Climate Change Officer, Merton Council
- Sam Dillon, Healthy Streets Officer, Sustrans
Benefits of school streets
- Create a safer and more pleasant environment for families.
- Encourages active travel to and from school, helping children lead healthier and more active lives.
- Motor vehicle use will be reduced which will reduce congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions. This will support a "green recovery", following restrictions put in place due to Covid-19.
Restricted times
Times of the restrictions vary (please see List of School Streets 2020). Restrictions will not operate during school holidays or at weekends. All vehicles already parked in the affected street will be able to leave at any time.
Exemptions
Access will be made for local residents, business and teachers, but only if they have registered for exemption and meet the criteria. Exemptions will also be made for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.
Visitors and deliveries will not normally be permitted during closure times. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by case basis.
If you are a resident affected by the new school streets we will write to you directly with information on how to apply. Once you have completed your application, your vehicle will be covered immediately.
Until you have been given the opportunity to apply for an exemption, penalty charge notices (PCNs) will not be incurred.
Information on how to apply for an exemption will be published here in due course.
Parent and carers access
Parents or carers dropping children at school will not be able to enter the school street zone. You can only enter if you or your child are a blue badge holder. You will still be able to walk, cycle or scoot to school in a more friendly and safe environment.
Scheme duration
If successful, the scheme will be made permanent. A decision will be made no later than 18 months after implementation.
Your views
We will provide an opportunity for you to share your views once vehicle restrictions are in operation and the statutory consultation begins.
Regular updates will be provided as the school streets programme progresses.
Proposed layouts
Notification letters sent to residents
