Brent Council is facing scrutiny over the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued under its School Streets schemes, with concerns raised about the clarity of signage and the fairness of enforcement. A total of 73,018 PCNs were issued across various school streets in the borough over the last 12 months.

Councillor Michael Maurice questioned Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport & Public Realm, on the issue during a recent council meeting. Councillor Knight stated that all signage complies with national legal requirements, specifically the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD), which sets the legal standards for traffic signing. The council also undertakes borough-wide reviews of signage and installs advance warning signs where appropriate, even though they are not a legal requirement.

However, Councillor Knight acknowledged that schemes are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and committed to providing a comprehensive review of all school streets. She assured councillors that PCNs are not a direct revenue-raising mechanism.

Despite assurances, concerns persist. Councillor Maurice highlighted that some locations have particularly high numbers of notices, suggesting potential issues with signage or scheme design. The school streets with the highest numbers of PCNs issued in the last 12 months include:

  • John Keble C of E, Maple Walk & St Claudine's: 12,171 PCNs
  • Preston Manor: 12,250 PCNs
  • Manor School: 7,484 PCNs
  • Kingsbury Green & St Robert Southwell: 8,337 PCNs

He questioned whether the schemes are effectively delivering their intended aims of improving child safety and reducing pollution, or if they are perceived as revenue-generating measures.

Councillor Knight responded that while school streets are effective in improving road safety and air quality, she is happy to review individual school streets on a case-by-case basis. The effectiveness of these schemes is assessed using four main measures: road safety (casualties), travel behaviour (modal shift), air quality (NO₂ concentrations), and stakeholder feedback. A recent review of 22 pilot schemes indicated that child casualty numbers remained very low, with no sustained increases in road traffic casualties around most schools and reductions observed by 2024. Evidence for modal shift is positive, showing reduced car travel and increased walking, cycling, and scooting. Furthermore, annual average NO₂ concentrations decreased over the monitoring period, suggesting reduced vehicle emissions around schools. The schemes have also been well supported by residents and the school community, with positive feedback.

Councillor Knight also confirmed that a full review of school streets, including data, would be published. While the exact timeframe for this comprehensive review is not specified, it is implied that it will be provided if helpful. The council has expanded its School Streets programme from 22 pilot schemes to 32.

A borough-wide review of School Street signage was undertaken in 2023, leading to the installation of advance warning signs (AWS) on approaches to School Street restrictions. A further review in 2024, with additional funding, saw more AWS installed. All School Street schemes now feature advance warning signage on every entry point, with two entry signs where site conditions allow.