Traffic is set to be permanently barred from streets around another school after a trial was judged successful.

Haringey Council's cabinet last week voted to make a 'School Streets' scheme outside Highgate Junior School permanent.

The scheme will bar all vehicles apart from permit holders from part of Bishopswood Road between Broadlands Road and Hampstead Lane, on weekdays between 8am and 9.15am and from 3pm to 4.30pm.

Only people walking, cycling and wheeling, and those with vehicle exemption permits, would be allowed to enter during those times.

The scheme would be enforced by a CCTV camera near the entrance to Bishopswood Road, which is a one-way street. Householders in the street would be eligible for permits.

Cllr Mike Hakata, Haringey Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, environment and transport said: “We want Haringey to be a fairer and greener borough and School Streets are essential if we’re going to get there.

“The evidence is clear that children benefit from being able to walk, cycle or wheel to school in cleaner air and safer streets.
 
“I’m delighted we’re making another Streets for People scheme permanent and another community will have the opportunity for healthier and active lives.”

School Streets are intended to encourage more children to travel to and from school on foot, bike or scooter, cutting air pollution and reducing traffic at school gates.

The scheme had previously been subject to a trial period. Evidence presented to the council's cabinet showed a 75 per cent reduction in traffic during the trial, as well as a 164 per cent increase in cycling within the School Street and lower traffic speeds.

In making the school street permanent the council considered feedback from residents and the school, alongside traffic monitoring.

It follows the decision by the council's cabinet in October to introduce school streets at Noel Park Primary and St Paul’s Catholic Primary following an extensive listening and engagement exercise.

For more information on the school streets programme, visit www.haringey.gov.uk/school-streets.

Haringey Council says more than 11,000 children at 28 schools already benefit from 24 zones spanning 6km during drop-off and pick-up times. 

It aims to almost treble the number of School Streets schemes to 61 by 2026, transforming journeys and improving air quality at the school gates for up to 36,000 children.

The authority says evidence shows a 42% reduction in traffic across existing School Streets in the borough, as well as vehicle emissions down by 26 per cent.