Newham Council is tightening regulations on building work near schools by amending the Traffic Management Order (TMO) related to Healthy School Streets (HSS). The decision, made at an Officer Key Decision meeting on Thursday, aims to reduce traffic and improve air quality during school hours.

The council has removed the exemption for 'building operations' from the restrictions outlined in section 4, part C, and sub-section (VI) of the existing TMO. This change will give the council greater control over vehicle access during school hours and prevent potential abuse of the HSS restrictions across the borough. The decision is subject to call-in.

The current TMO included an exemption for the purpose of any building operation or demolition; or in connection with the laying, erection, alteration or repair of any sewer or of any main, pipe or apparatus for the supply of gas, water or electricity, or of any communications network. The amendment specifically removes 'building operation' from this list. This means that all kinds of building works, regardless of size or time of day, within the restricted zones will be affected.

The Head of Transport Policies and Programmes raised concerns that the existing exemption could be exploited, allowing building works of any size and at any time to occur within the restricted zones. According to the Public Reports Pack, This exemption in its' current state will allow all kinds of building works regardless of how big or small and at any time of the day. The council have no verification process for genuine claims. It will encourage increase in the number of vehicles into any HSS restriction times and negatively impact delivery of corporate objectives.

The council believes that removing the blanket exemption will allow them to assess building works on a case-by-case basis. The council will have the right to assess any building works for exemption on individual merits, as stated in the Public Reports Pack. This aligns with the council's objectives for a healthier, safer, greener, and more sustainable Newham. The changes support residential traffic reduction, improved air quality, and the promotion of sustainable travel options. These objectives contribute to the 'Towards a Better Newham' strategy by promoting personal wellbeing, creating 15-minute neighbourhoods, and enhancing green spaces.

The council considered the alternative of taking no action but concluded that this would likely lead to increased traffic during school hours, worsening air quality and potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Newham has been designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) since December 2019, placing a legal responsibility on the council to reduce vehicle-based emissions.

The estimated £5,000 cost to amend and advertise the TMO will be funded from the 2025/26 Active and Sustainable Capital budget, specifically from the Transport for London (TfL) allocation of £300,000 for the Healthy School Street budget.

The council is legally required to conduct public consultations and advertise the proposed change to the TMO, as outlined in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedures) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996. Residents and businesses will be notified about the specific restrictions and application process for exemptions through these consultations and street notices. An equalities impact assessment found that the scheme presents an opportunity to deliver positive impacts, safer streets and improved driver behaviours.

The timeline for the public consultation and implementation of the amended TMO is as follows:

  • Internal consultation: 12/05/2025 - 20/06/2025
  • Forward Plan: 11/06/2025 - 09/07/2025
  • Call-in: 10/07/2025 - 17/07/2025
  • Statutory Consultation (IN PRESS): 30/07/2025 - 20/08/2025
  • Notice to News Paper (assuming no objections are received): 27/08/2025 - 03/09/2025
  • TMO come into effect: 08/09/2025