Greater Manchester School Streets
What is a School Street?
A School Street temporarily restricts motor traffic around schools at drop-off and pick-up times, allowing children to walk, cycle or scoot more safely to school. Signs are put up to inform drivers of the restriction, and barriers or cameras can be used to enforce it. Residents, local businesses, and blue badge holders are usually able to apply for exemptions.
Image: Paul Gapper
Why do we need School Streets in Greater Manchester?
In Greater Manchester, levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution, which primarily comes from road traffic, especially diesel vehicles, are over five times the World Health Organization limit. With air pollution posing a risk for children in their daily lives, it is clear that reducing traffic around schools will improve health outcomes for the children of Greater Manchester.
School Streets are one answer: they reduce air pollution, make it safer for our children to get to school, and they are a brilliant solution to help our children be healthier and happier.
How many School Streets are there in Greater Manchester?
There are currently just a handful of School Streets in Greater Manchester - around 25 across the ten boroughs, most of which rely on some amazing and dedicated volunteers every week. There is huge potential for the successful implementation and expansion of School Streets in GM, despite a lack of awareness about the scheme in general.
Can we have more School Streets?
Yes! As a result of our 2024 local election campaign the leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig agreed to implement School Streets at 25% of Manchester’s schools by 2029. Mayor Andy Burnham also committed to implementing 100 School Streets across Greater Manchester this mayoral term. Now that these promises have been made, we will be working hard to hold our leaders to account and ensure the roll out of School Streets across Greater Manchester.
“School streets are a total joy! The air smells and tastes completely differently on a school street, the cars can’t queue up outside the school, idling and creating dangerous barriers.
We can cycle down the middle of the road and I can see the confidence and freedom in my son - as soon as he gets onto the school street he whooshes!”
How can I campaign for a School Street at my school?
Image: Amy, Brookburn School Street, Chorlton. Even horses love School Streets!
🩷 You can help to raise awareness of School Streets by chatting to other parents and discussing the issue at Parent Teacher Association meetings. When you’ve gathered support amongst the parent community, approach your headteacher to talk the idea over.
🩷 Download our campaigning guide, which explains more about the scheme.
🩷 Join our School Streets Facebook group for information and advice from others who have or want a School Street.
🩷 Download our template letter to help you email your headteacher.
🩷 Order some of our School Streets flyers or download them here and ask your school to send them out by email.
🩷 Book in a one-to-one chat with us - email hello@mumsforlungs.org.
🩷 We run regular School Streets webinars that bring together parents, school and council representatives to talk about implementing School Streets. Join our mailing list to find out details of the next one.
🩷 Join our GM campaign group, led by Liz Godfrey - email her at manchester@mumsforlungs.org.
Any questions?
We offer one-to-one chats with parents and teachers about School Streets, or we can present to your school about the scheme. Just email us using the button below.