Controversial new School Streets trials introduced during lockdown last year will now be made permanent, the Council has announced.

This will apply to 23 schools across the borough and restrict cars operating in the morning and afternoon during school arrival and leaving times.

A report by transport consultant Steer published 27 August showed over 60% of respondents stated they support the School Streets remaining.

A total of 464 responses were received and residents reported the highest level of opposition to the scheme, at 29%, followed by parents (19%) and schools (7%).

Additional School Streets were introduced under Hounslow's Streetspace Programme, developed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and under statutory guidance from the government.

A council report earlier this month also stated permanent Traffic Management Orders will be implemented across the borough under the programme.

This will include a scheme affecting the bus lane on Brentford High Street, going eastbound near Market Place and the B455.

Councillor Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport and One Hounslow at Hounslow Council, said: "We know there is a range of strongly-held views about Streetspace, and we hope that our balanced approach to reviewing the trials has demonstrated that we really are listening and trying to reach the best outcomes. 

"School Streets help to improve road safety for pupils, parents, and teachers on their way to and from school, promoting walking, cycling, and reduce pollution in the area around schools.

"They're helping us deliver on our target to become a net-zero borough by 2030 by reducing car usage and encouraging the alternatives.

"That's on top of improved air quality, which is especially important for children while their lungs are still developing, and safer roads for all our residents.

"School Streets have proved to be very popular with parents and pupils, and residents, so I'm delighted to confirm today that these schools will continue to benefit from the schemes."

Cllr Khan said they are exploring whether other schools in the borough could also benefit from School Streets.

Chiswick School will be the next addition to the scheme, with a new trial starting on Staveley Road, adjacent to the school.

The trial will see all traffic restricted, except for local buses and permit holders, between 8am and 5pm, in response to feedback from residents regarding an increase in traffic on Burlington Lane.

Hounslow Council has decided to make the following schemes permanent:

Duke Road

Dan Mason Drive

Wellesley Road

Stile Hall Gardens

Strand on the Green / Thames Road

Hartington Road

Harvard Hill

Staveley Road/Park Road

Chestnut Avenue

Whitestile Road

Challis Road

Green Dragon Lane

Amhurst Gardens

Teesdale Avenue

Teesdale Gardens

School Streets were first introduced in Hounslow in 1997 in a bid to restrict traffic near schools.