A School Street for Handsworth

Dear fellow neighbour,

We’re delighted to share that a School Street is on its way! Following the recent consultation, a majority voted in favour, meaning we’ll soon have a safer, quieter and healthier street for children travelling to and from school.

Thank you to all the parents, children and residents who supported this change — it’s been a long time coming.

The problem

Every morning and afternoon, school drop-offs and pick-ups turn the area into a stressful and dangerous place. Handsworth Avenue becomes clogged with cars, leading to risky driving and aggressive behavior that we and our children have witnessed. The high number of vehicles also worsens air quality, creating long-term health risks, especially for young lungs. This situation makes the environment unsafe for both our children and ourselves. With over 1,900 children attending two schools and a nursery, we need positive change.

Imagine a street free of traffic, where children can walk to school safely without cars and pollution!

  • “We strongly believe that implementing a School Street is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our children and creating a more sustainable and child-friendly community. We welcome that it can be done without the need for a CPZ. ”

    Claire Nairne – Headteacher Handsworth Primary School

  • “I dread turning onto Handsworth Avenue in the mornings with my kids. They shouldn’t have to put up with the volume of traffic we’re experiencing.”

    Bright Horizons nursery parent

  • “In the morning and afternoon this road is a nightmare, blocked most of the time due to the traffic. It makes the pedestrian crossing dangerous when taking the kids to school”

    Handsworth Avenue resident

What is a School Street?

A ‘School Street’ briefly closes the street to traffic at the start and end of the school day (8:00am - 9:00am and 2:40pm - 3:40pm) during term time, Monday to Friday, creating a safer, healthier, calmer environment for all residents and users of the street. Residents of the affected streets are exempt and so can come and go as they please.

FIND OUT MORE

How do we get a School Street?

School Streets are put in place through a local consultation which is now live. Residents and parents should have received a consultation document from the council outlining the plan. Please complete the questionnaire and return it before Sunday 15 March 2026, or email your support to schoolstreets@walthamforest.gov.uk, including your name, address, and whether you are a parent of a child in the nursery, primary, or secondary school. Thank you!

Alternatively, click on the button below for a pre-written email ready to go to the council. Just add your name, address and whether you have a child at Handsworth primary or Highams Park School before hitting send.

Email your support