School Streets

School Streets is the Council’s pioneering programme to transform roads outside schools, so that pedestrians and cyclists are prioritised at school start and finish times.

The schemes tackle congestion and improve air quality at the school gates, making it easier and safer to walk and cycle to school.

They create a more pleasant environment for everyone, while making sure residents, businesses, pedestrians and cyclists can still use the road.

View a map of the School Streets locations (PDF 940kb)

 

How it works

The streets around a school temporarily become a Pedestrian and Cycle Zone at set times in the morning and afternoon. Vehicles are not permitted to enter the zone between these times unless they have been granted an exemption.

Exemptions are available in some instances. For more information about who is eligible for an exemption and how they are allocated, see Exemptions.

Signs inform drivers of the restrictions at the entrance(s) to the closed street(s). Vehicles are not allowed to enter a School Street zone during the times of operation, unless they are registered for an exemption. School Streets are spot enforced across the borough, and infractions can carry a penalty charge issued by a camera.

Map of School Streets in Hackney

Permanent School Streets

Between 2017 and 2019, we piloted 5 School Streets (SS1 to SS5) all of which have been made permanent. A further 4 School Streets (SS6 to SS9) were implemented between spring 2019 and spring 2020, which have been made permanent.

In spring 2020 we were granted TfL Streetspace funding to implement School Streets at an additional 40 schools (SS10 to SS48) by September 2020.

Experimental School Streets

New School Streets are introduced using experimental traffic orders for a maximum period of 18 months. If you’re a resident, parent or business owner, you’ll be able to have your say on the scheme.

Exemptions

Before applying, please check above to see if your vehicle is eligible for a School Street exemption.

Apply for an exemption

FAQs

Knowledge sharing for other local authorities

School Streets in Hackney video

Hear from parents and school heads about the impact of School Streets at their school:

Page updated on: 21 March 2024