Labour councillor Susan Masters says council’s ‘healthy school streets’ scheme has been a success but can be improved by widening vehicle access for some residents, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter

School streets restrict traffic around schools during arrival and pick-up times

More cars could be given access to ‘healthy school streets’ – where access is restricted at certain times – a leading Newham councillor has said.

The Newham Council scheme closes certain roads near schools at start and finish times to most vehicles.

Labour councillor Susan Masters – responsible for roads – said the scheme had been a “great success”. However she said it could be improved by widening vehicle access for residents with health needs.

Cllr Masters revealed that the council would look at altering the scheme, in response to another councillor’s question on Monday (6th).

Newham Independents councillor Idris Ibrahim, who represents Green Street West ward, said the scheme had made it harder for some people to get to appointments.

Cllr Ibrahim said: “Around the HSS [health school streets] we’ve had elderly residents who’ve got appointments they need to attend, but when they call for a cab or private hire they’re not able to enter simply because they’re restricted.”

He asked: “I know other boroughs have addressed this in different ways. Have we looked at how we can accommodate our residents?”

Cllr Masters replied that she’d heard similar stories. She said the council’s Labour leadership would look at making changes.

She said: “We think it’s been a great success in terms of making streets around schools a lot safer but we want to make sure going forward that that focus on safety remains.

“I agree, some of improving that might be about widening access where there are health needs. We all know cases where that’s happened.”

The council says its scheme is aimed at making it safer and easier for children to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

However people, businesses and charities inside healthy school streets, as well as Blue Badge holders who need to access the school, and some school staff can apply for exemptions.

Emergency vehicles, black cabs, Royal Mail and NHS vehicles, special educational needs buses and council bin lorries are also exempt.

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