Plans to bring a clean commute to more Kensington kids

Published: Thursday 12 March 2020

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Two Kensington schools could join Colville Primary to take part in a healthy school travel scheme to help clean up the air around their playgrounds.

Youngsters at Colville Primary School in North Kensington are enjoying a safe and healthy journey to school thanks to Kensington and Chelsea’s School Streets initiative.

The North Kensington primary school is the first in the borough to take part in the scheme which eases pollution around the gates of Colville Primary School, near Portobello Road, by closing roads to traffic during school drop-off and pick-up.

And Kensington and Chelsea Council is now consulting over the potential expansion of the scheme to benefit pupils and parents at two more schools – Knightsbridge School and Wetherby Kensington School.

Cllr Cem Kemahli, lead member for environment, said:

“More than 90% of families surveyed at Colville Primary School said they strongly support our first School Street. It’s great to see families embracing the chance to leave the car at home on the school run. Improving air quality is a big job for us all but small actions make a difference which is why we are keen for more schools get involved to cut air pollution in Kensington and Chelsea.”

School Streets aims to reduce the pollution in the area from car exhausts and give parents peace of mind about road safety around the gates. Parents at Colville Primary say the atmosphere outside school has completely transformed, with people stopping for a while to talk, play and say goodbye properly.

Parents and residents can take part in the consultations on new school streets at Knightsbridge School and Wetherby Kensington School until 22 March.