Two School Streets have officially opened, making the environment immediately surrounding the schools healthier, safer and more pleasant for everyone.
Oakthorpe Primary in Palmers Green and St Monica’s Catholic Primary near Southgate officially became Enfield’s first participants in the scheme.
A School Street is when the roads immediately surrounding a school are closed to motor traffic. They operate Monday to Friday in term time, during set periods at drop-off and pick-up. The areas remain open to pedestrians, cyclists, permit holders and residents.
Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Ian Barnes, joined the parents, pupils and staff at Oakthorpe during the morning drop-off on Wednesday (26 February). He said: “School Street schemes offer a solution to tackle air pollution and to make roads around schools less dangerous. They also provide a more harmonious atmosphere for residents and school staff who all too often have to deal with disruption caused by congestion and badly parked cars.”
The participating schools will be encouraged to help their pupils to take up other forms of active travel, such as walking and cycling. Enfield Council will continue to offer Cycle Confident classes to all primary schools. This is also available to anyone who lives or works in the borough. The council has a wide range of complimentary measures to support schools that are engaged in the scheme.
Enfield Council has already had many expressions of interest and it is likely that a total of five schools will be operational by the summer of 2020. If you or your school is interested in getting involved, read the guidance on how to get started.
Cllr Barnes added: “I’d like to congratulate Oakthorpe and St. Monica’s for taking pro-active steps to work with the local community and Enfield Council to help create a better environment, and encourage healthier and more active travel. In addition, programmes like these support the aims of the Climate Change Enfield. Our aim isto reduce the Council’s carbon footprint and introduce initiatives to improve the quality of residents’ lives by tackling climate change.”
The Deputy Leader chairs the Climate Change Task Force which is holding a public meeting on 19 March. Attendees can find out more about Climate Action Enfield and plans for the Council to become carbon neutral by 2030.