Cars barred on south-east London roads to curb pollution

Cars will be banned from roads around four south-east London schools in a trial scheme to curb pollution.

Greenwich council is testing the ban at four primaries that will become pedestrian and cycle-only between 8am-9.30am and 3pm and 4pm.

It means those living in the roads will not be able to use their vehicles during the peak times unless they ask school staff to lift metal barriers that will be installed.

The schools involved in the trial are De Lucy Primary in Abbey Wood, Gordon Primary and Haimo Primary in Eltham and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Greenwich.

The restrictions will come in after next week’s half-term for six to 12 months.

The council launched the trial after figures from Transport for London showed a quarter of week-day rush-hour morning traffic is school-run parents.

The ban is being enforced by an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order but would allow access to emergency vehicles and blue badge holders.

Residents in Pelton Road and Commerell Street — near St Joseph’s — today branded the idea “a disaster”.

One neighbour, who is using a wheelchair as she recovers from an illness, but does not have a blue badge, said she needed to attend hospital appointments at short notice. She said: “They say emergency services can get access but what about days when I’m in severe pain and my husband has to take me to A&E? He will have to negotiate with school staff.”

Katy Ruskin, 44, who runs a childcare business from her home yards from the school, said: “As a childminder it’s disastrous for me and puts a big strain on my business because there’s no other option than to drive when I am working.

“My eldest son is at a school the other end of Greenwich and to suddenly be told we can’t use our car at certain times doesn’t work.”

Parents are divided on the plan, with some agreeing it will improve air quality while others complain they will have to walk when it is raining.

Gendij Reftij, 41, a father-of-two with a six-year-old son at the school, said: “This is a good idea for children’s health but what about in winter?”

Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, cabinet member for air quality, said: “Even though most children live within walking distance, the roads outside schools are still choked with cars, which is dangerous for everyone.

Teachers have been concerned about this for some time, which is why they have approached us to bring in the borough’s first School Streets.”