Greenwich Council is planning to expand its School Streets scheme – and has also announced a series of feedback meetings for its low-traffic neighbourhood in Greenwich and Blackheath.

The scheme includes closing roads to through traffic at drop-off and pick-up times to deter parents from driving to school and blocking local roads. There are 11 currently in operation – four permanent and seven temporary – all operated by pulling up bollards embedded in the tarmac. 

The council is looking to add another 21 schemes across the borough, which would be operated with automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) cameras, meaning that teachers would no longer have to physically close the road. The existing 11 schemes would also be switched to ANPR cameras. 

Initial consultations “to understand community perspectives” have begun on all 32 schemes – two more stages will follow before a final decision is made. 

Averil Lekau, the council’s deputy leader, said: ““We are committed to creating safer, healthier streets for our children. Restricting motor traffic during school drop-off and pickups helps reduce harmful pollutants, leading to cleaner air and better respiratory health for our young people. 

“But to achieve these aims, we need your help. Your experiences and opinions on travel, particularly concerning journeys to and from schools, are vital in shaping the future of our School Streets programme.

“The programme aligns with the council’s commitment to making travel around the borough easier and greener, prioritising the safety and well-being of children and parents walking, cycling, and scooting to school.” 

Bollards set into road so cars can drive over them
At present, teachers have to pull up bollards in the road. Image: The Greenwich Wire

More details about the schools affected and the consultations, including details of in-person sessions at school gates and an online discussion, are on the Commonplace website. 

Meanwhile, a series of in-person feedback sessions about the low-traffic neighbourhood in Greenwich and Blackheath – called a “neighbourhood management trial” by the council – will be held over the coming weeks.

Participants will need to register by phone. There are more details on the Commonplace website. 

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