Children at two primaries have benefited from School Streets

Children and their parents have been enjoying safer and healthier journeys to and from two local primary schools as part of the borough’s network of vehicle-free School Streets.

Trial schemes were launched at the two schools – Smallwood in Tooting and Riversdale in Southfields - in June and parents and local residents now have the chance to voice support for making the schemes permanent.

A public consultation has been ongoing since June - but will draw to a close on 12 December – so time is running out for local people to have their say.

If the pilot schemes are made permanent following the consultation it will bring the total number of School Streets in Wandsworth to the landmark figure of 25 – with many more in the pipeline as part of a council commitment to introduce them at 50 per cent of all the borough’s primary schools by 2025.

Jenny Yates, Wandsworth’s cabinet member for transport said: “School Streets are designed to create a much safer and healthier environment for children and parents on their journey to and from school.

“Putting measures in place to reduce dangers from vehicle traffic and improve air quality will ensure parents and children are more likely to walk or cycle to school. These are key priorities for the council.”

The Smallwood scheme means motor vehicles cannot travel along sections of Hazelhurst Road and Smallwood Road between 8.15am and 9.15am and from 2.45pm to 3.45pm Monday to Friday during term time. 

And the Riversdale scheme has involved a widening of the pavement outside the school entrance in Pirbright Road to create a pedestrian only area near the junction with Replingham Road. Vehicle traffic will be maintained in both directions in Pirbright Road.

To take part in the consultation please visit the council’s website.

The website also contains more information about School Streets in Wandsworth along with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section.