School Streets programme
Richmond upon Thames Council is expanding its School Streets programme, approving a further phase and making an existing phase permanent.
Richmond upon Thames Council's Transport and Air Quality Committee approved a further phase of the School Streets programme in September 2026. This follows plans reported in March 2026 to make Phase 4 permanent and provide updates on Phases 5 and 6. The initiative aims to enhance road safety, encourage active travel, and improve air quality.
The School Streets programme creates part-time pedestrian and cycle zones outside schools by temporarily restricting motor traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. Richmond upon Thames Council currently has 18 such schemes operating or proposed, employing various methods of operation and enforcement, including signage, barriers, or automatic number plate recognition.
Other councils, including Tower Hamlets, Havering, and Oxfordshire, also implement similar programmes aimed at promoting sustainable travel and reducing single-occupancy car use near schools.
Key facts
- Richmond upon Thames Council plans to make Phase 4 of its School Streets programme permanent. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council reported in March 2026 that 18 School Streets are operating or proposed in the borough. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council's School Streets schemes use varying methods of operation and enforcement. Source
- The School Streets programme aims to enhance road safety, encourage active travel, and improve air quality. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.