A further 16 roads will face closures in Lewisham, as the council expands its school streets initiative.

The traffic measures, which prevent cars passing through streets at the start and end of the school day, aim to improve air quality and encourage walking or cycling.

The expansion will take the total number of school streets in the borough to 26, with ten schools already involved.

Viv Nicolls, Head Teacher at Prendergast Ladywell, said: “Since starting the School Street project in September, Ewhurst Road has become a cleaner and kinder place to be at pick-up and drop-off times.

“With COVID restrictions limiting access to our school site, our families are able to congregate outside of our school gates with the knowledge that the street is a safer place to be.

“As Head of School, I monitor the School Street each day equipped with my 'walkie talkie' and 'hi-vis jacket'.

“By doing this, our staff have been able to connect much more with our local community - it is great to say hello to not just our own families but local residents too. 

“We are expecting cameras to monitor the School Street from January rather than staff, however we fully intend to continue to be a presence at the beginning and end of the day to maintain the positive relationships that we have formed with local residents.

“Due to the success of the Ewhurst Road project, our next priority will be to make access to our other school entrance in Sinclair Place a School Street.”

Hackney Council reported in June that around nine of the schools involved in the school streets scheme had reduced traffic by 68 per cent and the number of pupils cycling had increased by over 50 per cent.

Vehicle emissions outside those schools were reportedly down by 74 per cent.

Waltham Forest Council also reported a reduction of traffic around schools during the peak time by 80 percent.

The Council has been working with primary schools communities on the scheme, which sees cars restricted from entering the streets unless the driver lives there or has business on the street.

Emergency service vehicles can still enter at any time.

Work on the new schemes will begin in December with an aim to have them finished by the end of January.

Councillor Sophie McGeevor, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment said: “School Streets are a powerful tool in our armoury to fight air pollution, reduce traffic and create a healthier, safer borough.

"They run alongside our declaration of a climate emergency, the council’s long term transport strategy and promotion of walking and cycling to address inactivity as alternatives to driving.

“Their implementation means improved road safety and a reduction in needless engine idling. Residents nearby are also seeing the benefits from having less traffic on their streets at those times.

"I would like to thank the hard work of many teachers who support the schemes at the beginning and end of each school day.”

The expanded scheme will involve the following schools: Haseltine, Rathfern, Myatt Garden, Kilmorie, St William of York, St John the Baptist, Lucas Vale, Athelney and Good Shepherd, Eliot Bank, Coopers Lane, Gordonbrock, Rushey Green, Holy Cross, Brindishe Green and Holbeach.