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Officer Key Decision - Thursday 10th July 2025

July 10, 2025 View on council website
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Summary

In a delegated decision, Sean McDermid, Acting Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Sustainable Transport, approved an amendment to the Healthy School Streets Traffic Management Order to remove an exemption for 'building operations'. This change aims to prevent abuse of the order and better control traffic during school hours.

Healthy School Streets (HSS) Traffic Management Order (TMO) Amendment

The council approved an amendment to the Healthy School Streets (HSS) Traffic Management Order (TMO) Section 4, part C, and sub-section (VI) to remove the exemption of any 'building operation'.

The purpose of this amendment is to prevent the potential abuse of the existing exemption, which currently allows all types of building works, regardless of size or time of day, to occur within the restricted zones during school hours. The council currently has no verification process for these claims. The report stated that:

This exemption in its' current state will allow all kinds of building works regardless of how big or small and at any time of the day. The council have no verification process for genuine claims. It will encourage increase in the number of vehicles into any HSS restriction times and negatively impact delivery of corporate objectives.

The amendment will allow the council to assess any building works for exemption on individual merits.

Background to Healthy School Streets

Healthy School Streets temporarily restrict traffic around schools during drop-off and pick-up times. These schemes are legally implemented under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 19841. The primary goals of the HSS initiative are to:

  • Improve local air quality near schools.
  • Encourage walking and cycling.
  • Enhance road safety for schoolchildren.
  • Create a more attractive street environment outside schools.
  • Reduce traffic noise.

The HSS schemes align with the council's Local Implementation Plan 3 (LIP 3) objective to deliver a Healthier and Safer Newham, Vision Zero initiatives, and the 'Towards a Better Newham' strategy2, specifically focusing on personal wellbeing, 15-minute neighbourhoods, and greening.

Alternative Options Considered

The council considered a do nothing approach, but rejected it. The report stated that doing nothing would likely lead to increased traffic during school hours, poorer air quality, and a higher risk of collisions. The council also has a legal responsibility to reduce vehicle-based emissions, as Newham has an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) since December 2019.

Implications

  • Financial: The amendment and advertisement of the TMO is estimated to cost £5,000, funded from the 2025/26 Active and Sustainable Capital budget.
  • Legal: The council is legally required to carry out public consultation and advertise the proposed change to the TMO.
  • Equalities: The council has a public sector equalities duty under section 149 of the Equalities Act 20103. The council will assess any building works for exemption on individual merits, ensuring no negative impacts on protected groups.

  1. The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 is an Act of Parliament that allows local authorities to manage traffic in their area. 

  2. The 'Towards a Better Newham' strategy is Newham Council's plan for improving the borough, focusing on various pillars such as personal wellbeing, creating 15-minute neighbourhoods, and promoting green spaces. 

  3. The Equalities Act 2010 is an Act of Parliament that prohibits discrimination and promotes equality in various areas, including gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, marriage, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment. 

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