Cars could be blocked from 200 more London roads outside schools

A further 200 London roads near schools could be made car-free during peak times as part of plans to support walking and cycling.

London is dotted with hundreds of school streets, which limit or ban vehicle traffic during certain times, and under new plans, boroughs could set up more of them.

This proposal is part of Transport for London’s (TfL) new walking and wheeling action plan revealed today, designed to make Londoners opt for walking or public transport over driving.

Here is a roundup of what the plan entails.

What are London school streets?

The aim is for London boroughs to implement 200 more school streets across the capital.

The move is designed to make walking the ‘first choice of travel to school for even more Londoners’ by reducing barriers like road danger, TfL said.

It said the expansion could benefit around 1,000 schools.

If you have ever driven in London neighbourhoods, chances are you’ve come across the ‘pedestrian and cycle zone’ sign banning through traffic during specific hours, often enforced with a number plate recognition camera.

Breaches carry a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which is typically £160 a pop and reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.

Residents and businesses within the zone can apply for a permit to be exempt from the restrictions.

Over 800 London roads had the status as of the end of April last year, according to TfL.

Other plans to boost walking and cycling

The proposal also includes a focus on tackling pavement clutter like badly parked dockless bikes, TfL said.

Rental bikes strewn across pavements have become a familiar sight in London, with the vehicles criticised for blocking access for disabled people and those with prams.

London streets are also slated for extra pedestrian crossings in the TfL plan.

It could see the creation of 1,000 new zebra crossings or signalised pedestrian crossings by 2031.

A new river walking route is in the pipeline by 2029, along with plans to link existing paths, parks and neighbourhoods.

More CCTV trials would be installed at bus stops along with ‘women’s safety audits’ and a review of night-time transport, TfL said.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: ‘The Mayor and I are determined to make walking the safest, easiest and most enjoyable way of getting around London.

‘This new plan will help us drive further progress in cleaning up our air and tackling congestion, with record amounts invested to support more Londoners in leaving the car at home and walking instead.’

Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of transport strategy, said Londoners are held back from walking by ‘safety concerns, poor crossings or inaccessible streets.’

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