This Officer Key Decision meeting for Newham Council concerned a proposal to make permanent the phase 4 Healthy School Street (HSS) Scheme, which had been implemented experimentally in December 2023. The report pack includes an officer decision record, appendices with site plans, a statement of reasons, traffic data, and air quality information. The decision for this meeting was delegated to the relevant officer, and meetings were not held to take Officer Key Decisions.

Healthy School Streets (HSS) Phase 4

The report pack details a proposal to make the phase 4 Healthy School Street (HSS) Scheme permanent, following a trial period that began in December 2023. The scheme, operating under Experimental Traffic Management Orders (ETMOs), aims to protect the health and safety of schoolchildren and staff.

The report pack recommends that the Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport:

• Note the positive outcomes regarding traffic volumes, air quality, and road safety.
• Note the absence of formal objections during the six-month objection period.
• Approve the implementation of permanent traffic orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, maintaining the access restrictions of the experimental orders.

The schools included in Phase 4 are:

• New City Primary School (H18)
• Gallions Primary School (H19)
• Shaftesbury Primary School (H20)
• Earlham Primary School (H21)

The report pack states that these schools were selected using a weighted evaluation matrix that prioritised collision history and air quality levels.

The HSS zones operate during school terms, Monday to Friday, restricting access to general traffic but allowing access for residents with permits, emergency vehicles, refuse collection, and licensed taxis. Blue badge holders are also subject to specific exemptions listed on the HSS Scheme website.

Traffic Analysis

The report pack includes a traffic analysis comparing data before and after the scheme's implementation. This analysis, detailed in Appendix C, indicates a reduction in traffic volumes within the HSS zones.

As would be expected, roads within the HSS zones show significant reductions in traffic volumes at all sites. This pattern of traffic reduction within these HSS zones is consistent with what was observed in the schools in phases 1 to 3 of the HSS scheme.

Pick-up and drop-off data indicates a decrease within HSS zones and an increase outside these zones, suggesting a shift in activity locations.

Air Quality Study

Air quality modelling, using the DEFRA Emissions Factor Toolkit¹, projects emissions savings across the four HSS zones.

As expected, the air quality results above show significant emissions savings as percentages for all modelled pollutants across the 4 HSS zones implemented in this phase. We would expect these figures to be consistent moving forward as each of these zones continue to be pedestrian and cycleonly during operational hours.

Consultation

The Cabinet and Deputy Cabinet Members for Environment, Highways and Sustainable Transport were consulted on the scheme. Ward councillors, schools, residents, businesses, and statutory stakeholders were also engaged. No formal objections were reportedly received during the consultation period.

Council Policy and Priorities

The report pack claims that the HSS scheme aligns with the council's corporate priorities, specifically:

• Corporate Plan Priority 1 - ‘A Healthier Newham and Ageing Well’: Promoting active travel and reducing air and noise pollution.
• Corporate Plan Priority 3 - ‘Your Neighbourhood’: Enabling sustainable travel and addressing the climate emergency, in line with the Air Quality Action Plan and Just Transition Plan.

Legal and Financial Implications

The report pack notes that the council followed procedures under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and related regulations. The cost of making the traffic order permanent is £5,000, funded from the 2025/26 Active and Sustainable Capital budget. Revenue from Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) is anticipated, though the exact amount is uncertain.

Equalities and Climate Emergency Implications

The report pack asserts that the scheme offers positive impacts for all residents, with exemptions in place for blue badge holders and licensed taxis. The scheme is also described as contributing to the council's climate emergency response by promoting active travel and reducing carbon emissions.