Roads leading to three schools will be closed in the morning and at home-time, as part of a council initiative.

Rebridge Council will close roads leading to SS Peter and Pauls’ Catholic Primary School, Gordon Primary School and Fairlop Primary School, to “ensure children have a healthier and safer school journey.”

The roads will be closed to vehicles at the start and end of the school day during term time; the initiative will come into effect from Monday, December 2.

The council says the scheme is designed to reduce children’s exposure to air pollution and road accidents, as well as encourage walking and cycling to school.

Councill leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “We have a duty to protect our children’s health, both as a council and also as part of the community ourselves.

“Targeting congested areas outside of schools will cut down on pollution caused by traffic and also make roads much safer for children.

“We know that air quality is a top concern for parents and that’s why we’re working on initiatives such as this to build a cleaner and safer environment for our residents and mitigate the impact pollution has on local young people.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

SS Peter and Paul's Catholic Primary School. Photo: Google Maps

Cllr John Howard, cabinet member for civic pride, added: “London’s toxic air is having a hugely detrimental effect on the lungs of children and young people.

“This is an important project that will enable us to tackle air pollution by cutting down on congestion during the school run and encourage pupils and parents to walk and cycle. The programme will also create safer roads for children travelling to and from school.

“We are committed to improving air quality in the borough and the new traffic restrictions outside these school entrances will contribute towards this.”

Residents, businesses and blue badge holders in the designated no traffic zones are urged to obtain exemption permits for their vehicles to avoid getting fines when the scheme comes into effect.

Vehicles that are not exempted and enter the closed street during the peak times will be identified by automatic number plate recognition cameras and issued a penalty charge notice of £130.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Gordon Primary School, Photo: Google Maps

At Saints Peter and Paul's Catholic Primary School and Gordon Primary School the driving ban will be in place between 8.30-9.15am and 2.45-3.45pm.

Vehicles will be prohibited on Gordon Road, between the junctions with Green Lane and Golfe Road; Golfe Road, between the junctions with Gordon Road and South Park Road; Winchester Road, between the junctions with Park Road and Gordon Road; and Littlemoor Road, between the junctions with Cavenham Gardens and Golfe Road.

At Fairlop Primary School vehicles will be prohibited from driving along Colvin Gardens between the junction with Greenwood Gardens and its junction with Tomswood between 8.45-9.20am and 3.00-3.50pm.

Residents, businesses and blue badge holders located in the stretch of roads covered in the clean-air zone can apply for an exemption via an online application form.

The form should be completed by Thursday, November 28.