What is a School Street?

School Streets are timed closures on streets near or around schools at drop-off and pick-up times, during the school term. They help to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging walking and cycling to and from school.

Fewer vehicles near the school gates, help to:

Tackle congestion
Improve air quality
Increase active travel to school
Reduce road danger

How School Streets work

People who live or own a business inside the school street can apply for a free virtual permit for their vehicles. If your household or business has more than one vehicle, you would need to apply for a permit for each.

Only vehicles with a valid permit are allowed to enter a School Street during operational times.

Vehicles without a permit are not allowed to drive in the zone during operational times.

See the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on permits.

No one needs a permit to drive out of a School Street – for example if you were already parked in the street before the operational hours came into effect.

School Streets would remain open to people walking, cycling and scooting.

Emergency vehicles always have access to School Streets.

How School Streets are enforced

School Streets are enforced using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

The ANPR system checks the number plates of vehicles driving into the School Street zone during the restricted hours against a database of virtual permits. Vehicles entering a School Street without a permit during operational hours are automatically issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). There are some other exemptions that also apply. For a full list see Frequently Asked Questions.

The School Street restrictions (operational timings) are clearly signposted at all entry and exit points of the restricted zone.

How do I get a permit if I live or operate a business with the School Street zone?

You can find out more about who can apply for a permit and how to get one by reading our Frequently Asked Questions.

Where are Harrow's Existing School Streets?

You can find out more about the current School Streets in Harrow by visiting Existing School Streets.

How do I give my views on a School Street?

To give us your views on a proposed scheme visit School Streets Engagement.