Nine Croydon streets have new driving restrcitions

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

New driving restrictions in Croydon came into force today in nine streets across the borough.

Drivers will face a fine of £130, or £65 if paid within 14 days, for entering the roads at school pick-up and drop-off times.

The nine latest ‘healthy school streets’, which were approved in October 2022, bring the total in Croydon up to 33. They will be rolled out on a trial basis for the next 18 months.

The idea of the traffic restrictions is to improve safety and air quality around schools and to encourage more children to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

The latest schemes have been rolled out in the streets outside the following schools:

• South Norwood Primary School (SE25 5QP)
• Howard Primary School (CR0 1DT)
• Gonville Academy (CR7 6DL)
• Kenley Primary School & Kindergarten (CR3 0EX)
• Park Hill Junior and Infants School (CR0 5NS)
• Oasis Academy Shirley Park (CR0 7BE)
• The Crescent Primary School and The BRIT School (CR0 2HN)
• St Cyprian’s Greek Orthodox Primary Academy (CR7 8DZ)
• Good Shepherd Catholic Primary and Nursery School (CR0 0RG)

Those living in the roads are eligible to apply for a free exemption permit, as well as those who may need to access the roads, including transport for children with special needs.

Emergency services and bin lorries are automatically exempt.

Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: “We are monitoring these schemes closely to make sure they are helping pupils make safer, more active journeys, and addressing local residents’ concerns about school run traffic and parked vehicles blocking drives.

“We have listened and will keep listening throughout the trial process, and we welcome your feedback and ideas for improvement.”

Public consultation on the schemes is now open and for the next six months. Formal objections and feedback can be submitted on the council website.

Pictured top: Sign for a school street in Croydon (Picture: Tara O’Connor)