School Streets in Harrow

A School Street is a road with a school on it or nearby, that has restricts motor vehicle access at the start and end of the school day. Traffic signs at the start of the School Street inform drivers of the restrictions.

The first School Streets were launched on an experimental basis in September 2020. The schemes were developed in consultation with the schools and have been run on a trial basis in each area.

School Streets have many benefits including:

  • Improving road safety for pupils and residents
  • Reducing air pollution in the local area
  • Encouraging more physically active journeys to and from school  
  • Reducing congestion outside the school
  • Allowing space for social distancing outside of schools

These schemes create spaces for children to walk safely to school and help reduce emissions in the area. They also improve the environment for local residents.

School Streets are part of wider school travel plans. The schools that are taking part have committed to encouraging walking, scooting and cycling for the school journey. They want to reduce car use, congestion and air pollution around their school to improve safety and health. They support families to use active modes of transport to increase their physical activity and improve the health of Harrow’s children and young people.

See the Harrow School Street locations

How the School Street works

School Streets prohibit motor vehicle access during school drop off and pick up times. However, you can walk, scoot or cycle in the zone. In addition vehicles issued with a permit are allowed to enter the zone during its operational hours.

In Harrow, School Streets are enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras or CCTV enforcement vehicles. These cameras check whether vehicles are permitted to be driven in the area. 

If you are a resident or business within the restricted area, you must register your vehicles with Harrow Council for a virtual permit. Unauthorised vehicles that enter the road during operating times will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Check your eligibility for a permit

Some vehicles are still allowed access to the street during restricted hours. For the full list of exemptions please see our School Streets FAQs page.