Sutton Scene - Clean air

The success of five experimental Sutton School Streets this summer has led to more than a dozen Borough schools joining the safer, active greener streets programme this autumn.

This ambitious approach is helping to tackle the climate emergency by improving air quality.

School Streets close the area outside schools to motor vehicles at pick-up and drop-off times. Schemes have been run successfully in boroughs across London and the UK.

During morning peak traffic times, an estimated one in five cars on the road are taking children to school, contributing to congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions.

Long term exposure to air pollution can be detrimental to all our health but particularly to children, whose airways are still developing.

On busy streets, exposure to air pollution can actually be worse inside cars than it is outside.

Why not try to walk, scoot or cycle on the school run? Or if you have to drive, park further away from the school gates and turn off your engine to reduce emissions.

By tackling air pollution, traffic speeds, inconsiderate or dangerous parking and encouraging more active forms of travel, School Streets can create a safer, healthier environment to enjoy.

Details of our School Streets, including times, locations and exemptions can be found at: sutton.gov.uk/saferstreets