An additional 200 roads across London are set to implement vehicle restrictions outside schools at specific times, as part of a new initiative to encourage walking.
Transport for London (TfL) announced the measure, slated for full implementation by 2030, aims to establish walking as the "first choice of travel to school for even more Londoners". These new 'School Streets' will impose restrictions on vehicles during crucial school drop-off and pick-up periods.
According to TfL data, over 800 roads in the capital already held this status by the end of April last year.
The transport body said School Streets help “improve air quality and reduce road danger by reducing motor traffic and providing additional space”.
Creating a School Street in London is the responsibility of the capital’s boroughs.
In 2024, TfL provided them with data showing the level of suitability and need for a School Street outside every primary and secondary school, and nursery, in their areas.
TfL’s walking and wheeling action plan also featured an aim of installing 1,000 new zebra or signalised pedestrian crossings by 2031.
All new signalised crossings will feature pedestrian countdown timers.
More crossings – particularly those outside schools – are being programmed to show a green man signal immediately after the button is pressed, if it has not been activated in the previous 30 seconds.
Some 472 currently have this status while 18 show a continuous green signal for pedestrians until a vehicle is detected approaching.
Side road zebra crossings at junctions will also be trialled on TfL’s major routes.
The overall plan is aimed at supporting 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, director of transport strategy at TfL, 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, whether that’s getting to school, the station or the local high street.”
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.”
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