Haringey (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Haringey will introduce two new School Streets next week, bringing the total to 36, helping hundreds more children travel safely and healthily to school.
When the two new programs begin on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Streets for People initiatives will change the beginning and finish of the school day at Bounds Green Infants and Juniors and Welbourne Primary in Tottenham, Haringey.
This means that during drop-off and pick-up hours, zones covering 12.6 km will benefit almost 17,000 youngsters at 45 educational institutions.
School Streets reduce air pollution and improve the atmosphere at the school gates by encouraging more kids to get to and from school safely, enjoyably, and actively by foot, bike, or scooter.
Cllr Mike Hakata, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, said:
“We are very proud of our expanding School Streets programme and the part it plays in building a fairer, greener borough.
School Streets are crucial in helping to reduce air pollution, support active travel and improve road safety for children.
I’m delighted we are introducing more Streets for People initiatives and children at two additional schools will have the opportunity for healthier lives.”
During School Street’s operation, the zone is only accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, wheelers, and those with vehicle exemption permits.
The initiatives are introduced after a great deal of interaction with the local community, schools, and parents.
What safety or air quality improvements are expected from these schemes?
School Streets impose restrictions on vehicles approaching school entrances during drop-off and pick-up windows, resulting in an average 42% decrease in traffic volume in these areas. This also helps prevent road accidents involving children, thus, making it safer to walk, cycle, or use a scooter near schools for everyone including families and pedestrians.
By reducing vehicle trips in and near schools, these schemes help reduce pollution in and around schools, namely nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. In Haringey, School Streets have led to a 26% decrease in NOx emissions in the impacted zones, leading to cleaner air that supports children’s respiratory health and overall well-being.
Encouraging walking, cycling, and wheeling instead of car trips mitigates air pollution and traffic congestion and promotes healthy lifestyles.