'Medway Liberal Democrats call on the council to trial the school street scheme in Chatham'

Medway Liberal Democrats are calling on Medway Council to apply for new powers to install safe 'School Streets' outside certain local schools - including Luton Primary School.

School Streets are schemes that close the roads outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times. From May 2022 local Councils such as Medway can apply for powers to enforce moving traffic offences - which can include School Streets.

John Castle, Chair for Medway Liberal Democrats said; "Pollution outside schools is at its worst at drop-off and pick-up times. The sheer volume of cars not only makes the air dirty but also can make getting to school unnecessarily dangerous for local children and parents."

"We all like convenience in our everyday lives, but the school run leaves behind a raft of toxic fumes that affect children in the vicinity - both inside cars and on the street. Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution, which is linked to chest problems in later life and in some instances is irreversible. I know that parents will want to prevent harm to their children and their classmates.

"That is why we are insisting that the council provides the investment to bring the School Streets initiative to Chatham and wider Medway. The stakes really could not be higher - it's children's long-term wellbeing."

"Removing cars from the roads outside schools will not only improve local children's health by cutting pollution and improving road safety - it will encourage more active ways to get to school such as walking and cycling. From May 2022 Councils such as ours can apply for new powers to legally enforce schemes such as School Streets - and fine motorists who violate them."

"We are calling on the council to apply for the new powers and make arrangements to trial a school street scheme . This is a great and simple way to make our community and school environment safer, cleaner and quieter."

ENDS

Additional Information for Editors:

School Streets Initiative - All the information you need

School Streets Initiative provides accessible information and guidance to empower local communities who want to see School Street schemes implemented. The information available on this website is based on the shared experience of those who successfully made it happen and those who are almost there. School Streets belong to everyone and all you need to start is information and determination.

What are School Streets?

A School Street is a road outside a school with a temporary restriction on motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times. The restriction applies to school traffic and through traffic. The result is a safer, healthier and pleasant environment for everyone.

School Street schemes offer a proactive solution for school communities to tackle air pollution, poor health and road danger reduction. A School Street scheme will encourage a healthier lifestyle and active travel to school for families and lead to a better environment for everyone.

School Streets = Traffic free roads outside schools.

School Streets = Less pollution and improved air quality outside schools

School Streets = Gives families more space outside schools

School Streets = More children walking, cycling and scooting.

Find out more how you can start the conversation for your school and build the case for a School Street.