Transport for London (TfL) has announced plans to introduce vehicle restrictions on an additional 200 roads outside schools, aiming to make walking the 'first choice of travel to school for even more Londoners'. The new 'School Streets' will ban cars during drop-off and pick-up times, with full implementation expected by 2030.
According to TfL data, over 800 roads in the capital already held this status by the end of April last year. The transport body says School Streets help 'improve air quality and reduce road danger by reducing motor traffic and providing additional space'.
The initiative is part of TfL's walking and wheeling action plan, which also includes installing 1,000 new zebra or signalised pedestrian crossings by 2031. All new signalised crossings will feature pedestrian countdown timers, and more crossings outside schools will show a green man signal immediately after the button is pressed if not activated in the previous 30 seconds.
Side road zebra crossings at junctions will also be trialled on TfL's major routes. The overall plan supports Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan's ambition for 80% of trips in the city to be made by walking, cycling or public transport by 2041.
Christina Calderato, TfL's director of transport strategy, said: 'Walking is already at the heart of how Londoners get around, but we know too many people are still put off by safety concerns, poor crossings or inaccessible streets. This new plan sets out how we’ll change that by making it easier and more pleasant to walk for everyday journeys.'
