Residents living near a Walthamstow primary school fear plans to close their road during the school run will “seriously inconvenience” the elderly and disabled.

Waltham Forest Council will implement a “school street” trial scheme around Henry Maynard Primary School from March 23 until December 18.

Motorists will not be allowed to drive down or park on a number of roads surrounding the school between 8.30-9.15am and then again from 3-4pm during term time.

The council hopes to reduce congestion and improve air quality, as well as encouraging children to walk to school.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

A map of the streets affected

Tony Rath, who lives on Brunswick Street, said he felt the council was assuming all residents were “youngish with cars” and was worried about those who relied on cabs to go to and from hospital.

“For the last few years we have had a controlled parking zone, which has not been enforced,” he said.

“The council are imposing a very extreme set of restrictions, which means residents like me, who are non-drivers, are not permitted to have visitors by car in those hours.”

Exemptions to the rule will include residents with a parking permit or their carers, emergency services, staff at the school or local businesses and blue badge holders.

Lloyd Lewzey, who also lives on Brunswick Street, added: “They did not discuss it with us, they just said they were going to do it and asked if we wanted three streets or five.”

A letter to the council signed by 11 residents expressed concerns about how the restrictions would affect deliveries, traders and “non-social” visitors such as childminders.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Deputy leader Clyde Loakes launching Walthamstow's 'Mini Holland'

Deputy leader and cabinet member for environment Cllr Clyde Loakes said the trial was prompted by “complaints about congestion and road safety from local residents, school staff, and parents”.

He said: “School Streets are an increasingly popular response across London and the UK to the problems associated with the traditional school drop-off and pick-up times.

“We support School Streets and have successfully rolled out two so far, with Henry Maynard being the third.

“They keep residents and school pupils safe and healthy while at the same time helping to tackle the air pollution caused by mostly unnecessary short car journeys, which can be largely walked and cycled.

“By taking these unnecessary, excessive, and non-local vehicle movements out of residential streets we are also prioritising residents and their needs.”

Consultation documents were delivered to all affected households late last year and a drop-in session at the school on November 19 was attended by more than 40 people.

He added: “We are working with a growing number of schools across the borough who have expressed an interest to see how we can introduce a School Street in their localities.”