Why are we introducing School Streets?

Collisions, driving too fast, inconsiderate, or unlawful parking, and pollution from motorists idling their engines are well-known issues in the roads surrounding schools.

Between 8am to 9am and 3pm to 7pm an estimated 16 children are killed or seriously injured each week in England (source Public Health England).

Children are among those most affected by pollution.

Air pollution has been linked to asthma, heart disease and poor lung development (source: asthmaandlung.org.uk)

Travelling actively (walking, wheeling, cycling) benefits our health and is good for the environment.

Air pollution can be five times higher during the school run than at other times of day (source London.gov.uk)

Building on the success of our existing School Streets, we are taking proactive measures to help schools, parents, residents and the wider community tackle dangerous traffic at peak rush hour, parking issues, and to improve road safety and air quality around schools in the borough.

What is a School Street?

A School Street is a road or section of road outside a school with a temporary timed restriction on motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times.

Streets remain open to pedestrians, cyclists, exempted vehicles, and emergency services during restricted times.

What are the benefits of School Streets?

• Creates a safer environment for school children – by reducing the number of cars on the surrounding roads, and cutting the risk of road accidents;
• Decreases traffic and congestion – not only in the immediate School Streets, but overall, bringing benefits to the wider community;
• Reduces air pollution - a recent TfL report showed school streets reduced Nitrogen Dioxide emissions by 23%
• Boosts public health – by encouraging exercise via active forms of travel. LBBD has the highest proportion of childhood obesity out of all London boroughs at 33.2%.

Why have these locations been chosen?

All the schools and their respective roads have been selected due to concerns and evidence of congestion, rat-running and road danger in the area.

When are School Streets enforced?

Our School Streets operate during the periods of 8:00am-9:15am and 2:45pm-4:00pm, Monday to Friday during term time

See school holiday calendar here

How many School Streets are in operation?

As of September 2023, we have 19 School Streets in operation across Barking and Dagenham

How are schools chosen?

Anybody can request a School Street, however selection is based on several factors including incidence of road traffic accidents; reported and consistent congestion; high levels of air pollution.

How long is a School Street in place?

School Streets are initially implemented under an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) which is in place for 18 months. During the first 12 months feedback received will be collected and used to inform the decision-making process to make the scheme permanent or to remove it.

At the end of which, the scheme will be made permanent with or without amendments or removed.

The ETMO and subsequent PTMO (Permanent Traffic Management Order) detail:

• The area of restriction
• Restriction times
• Which vehicles are exempted

Am I eligible to apply for exemption?

You can apply if:

• You live inside a School Street
• Your business is inside a School Street
• You are staff at a school where the only car park entrance is inside the School Street.
• You are a parent with Blue Badge status, and you have a child that attends the school inside a School Street.
• You have a child with Blue Badge status that attends the school inside a School Street.
• You are a carer (formal or informal) of someone living inside a School Street

This list is not exhaustive, please visit the School Streets Exemptions page for full details and how to apply. 

I'm a parent or carer, can I enter the School Street? 

No. Parents or carers dropping children at school will not be able to enter the School Street.  You will be able to walk, cycle or scoot to school in a more friendly and safe environment.

Who will be exempt from the School Street restrictions?

People walking, scooting, using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and cycles (including adapted cycles) are not restricted.  Emergency vehicles, Royal Mail and waste collection vehicles are also exempt from the restrictions.

All other motor vehicles are restricted during the operating times displayed on the signs, subject to the following exemptions: Residents and businesses within the School Street zone that have approved applications.

How can I apply?

You can apply via sse@lbbd.gov.uk.  Please ensure you include all the relevant documentation, as per our School Streets Exemption Policy (PDF, 363.17 KB)

How long will my exemption take to get approved?

It can take up to ten working days for you to receive your exemption confirmation, but if eligible, your vehicle will be exempted from the date of your application. 

Do I need to display anything in my vehicle?

No. School Street exemptions are virtual.

If I apply for a School Street exemption, can I drive my car on the same day I apply?

You can drive your vehicle on the day you apply, but if you are not eligible, or you have not included the correct supporting evidence with your application, you may receive a PCN.

I am having difficulty with my application, who can I ask for help?

You can get help from the Barking Learning Centre (BLC), Dagenham Library or your local library.

I am moving to a nearby location, can I use my current school street exemption from my previous address?

You must cancel your existing exemption and reapply using your new address. You will need to tell us if you change your address. See our full terms and conditions (PDF, 93.06 KB).

I no longer need my School Street exemption, how can I cancel?

Please email sse@lbbd.gov.uk to cancel your exemption.

As a Blue Badge holder, do I need to apply for an exemption?

Yes. If you need access to a School Street, you will need to apply for an exemption.

What is the cost of a school street exemption?

There is no cost.

What happens if I do not apply for an exemption?

If you drive through a school street during operating hours without a valid exemption, you will receive and Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), even if you are eligible to apply for an exemption.

Can my School Street exemption guarantee me a parking space outside my house?

No, this is traffic exemption, not a parking permit. No parking permit holder is guaranteed a specific  parking space on a public highway.

I have a parking permit for a CPZ on a School Street, does this guarantee my vehicle an exemption?

No. Parking permits and School Streets exemptions are different. You can check your eligibility for a School Street exemption by referring to our School Streets Exemption Policy. (PDF, 363.17 KB)

I have a parking permit, why do I have to submit supporting documentation for my School Street exemption application?

School Streets exemptions are processed by a different department to parking permits. To minimise data sharing and in line with GDPR personal data and documents are not shared between these teams.

What happens if I change my vehicle?

If you change your vehicle, you must update the vehicle associated to the exemption by emailing sse@lbbd.gov.uk.