Statement on Safer, Healthier School Streets

“Sutton Council is committed to making the streets outside our schools safer and healthier for our children and I am thrilled to hear that the majority of the 1,500 parents, staff and residents who took part in a recent survey agreed.

“We want to help families to switch to walking and cycling to school by making it clear that motor vehicles should not be outside school gates at start and finish times. Our proposed School Streets would help make the road outside safer and calmer for pupils and encourage more sustainable modes of transport to and from school.

“As we know, children are among those most affected by high air pollution levels. Air pollution has been linked to asthma, heart disease and can impact lung development. Walking and cycling are not only good for the environment but also for the health of our children. 

“The council has worked closely with the schools and ensured residents, businesses and other key local interested parties are involved from the outset through to the implementation of proposals to improve air quality in their local area.

“The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee next week will be asked to agree to the implementation of eleven School Street Schemes and to proceed with necessary infrastructure works following the statutory process to make Sutton’s streets safer and healthier.”