The Officer Key Decision meeting on Wednesday 23 April 2025 approved the conversion of experimental traffic orders to permanent for Phase 4 of the Healthy School Streets (HSS) scheme. This decision aims to improve the health and safety of schoolchildren and staff by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality around schools.

Healthy School Streets (HSS) Phase 4 - Conversion of Experimental Traffic Orders to Permanent

The meeting approved the conversion of experimental traffic orders to permanent for Phase 4 of the Healthy School Streets (HSS) scheme. This initiative, which was initially implemented as an experiment in December 2023, aims to enhance the health and safety of schoolchildren and staff by creating safer environments around schools. The decision was made by Jamie Cook, Director of Highways, Parking & Transportation, Highways and Sustainable Transport.

The HSS scheme involves designating pedestrian and cycle only zones around schools during specific hours, typically during school drop-off and pick-up times. This measure restricts general traffic access while maintaining essential access for residents, emergency services, and other permitted vehicles. The scheme has been implemented at four schools in Phase 4: New City Primary School, Gallions Primary School, Shaftesbury Primary School, and Earlham Primary School.

Data collected during the experimental period showed significant reductions in traffic volumes within the HSS zones, with decreases ranging from 50% to 78% at various sites. While traffic within the zones decreased, there was a corresponding increase in pick-up and drop-off activity outside the immediate zone limits, indicating a shift in traffic patterns.

Air quality modelling also demonstrated positive outcomes, with significant emissions savings for nitrogen oxides (NOx), PM10, and PM2.5 pollutants. For example, at New City Primary School, annual NOx emissions were projected to decrease by 64.05%. These improvements align with the council's commitment to addressing the climate emergency and improving public health.

During the six-month monitoring period for the experimental traffic orders, no formal objections were received. This lack of objections, coupled with the positive outcomes in traffic reduction and air quality improvement, supported the recommendation to make the orders permanent. The cost associated with making the traffic orders permanent is £5,000, funded from the 2025/26 Active and Sustainable Capital budget.

The scheme is designed to align with the London Borough of Newham's Corporate Plan priorities, specifically A Healthier Newham and Ageing Well and Your Neighbourhood, by promoting active travel, reducing pollution, and enhancing road safety. The implementation also supports the council's Air Quality Action Plan and its broader efforts to address the climate emergency.

Exemptions have been put in place for Blue Badge holders and licensed taxis to ensure accessibility for disabled residents and those who may require taxi services. The scheme is legally underpinned by sections 6 and 124 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The decision to make the HSS Phase 4 schemes permanent was approved by Aled Richards, Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport. This decision will be implemented following the standard notice period, allowing members to call in the decision if necessary.