School Street permit

What are School Streets?

A School Street is where a road with a school temporarily closes to motor vehicles to become a pedestrian and cycle zone around the school’s opening and closing times (term time only).  

By temporarily closing roads outside schools there will be a reduction in congestion and pollution at the school gates. This will also make it easier and safer for children to get to and from school.  

The council is implementing a number of School Street Schemes under an experimental traffic order and monitoring the benefits over an 18-month period.  

During this 18-month period residents will be contacted again, to ask for their views on whether the scheme works effectively, before we take a decision on whether to make it permanent or not. 

Find out more about the School Streets Scheme 

More information about the school streets scheme.

The restricted times will not operate in the school holidays or at weekends. 

How will I know if it is a school street? 

There will be signs at the entrances of the affected streets. 

Why do I need a permit?

Vehicles will not be able to enter school streets between the restricted times unless they have a school street permit.  

If a vehicle enters a school street during the restricted times without a school street permit then a penalty charge notice will automatically be issued. 

Who can apply for a school street permit?

• Residents whose vehicles are registered or insured on a school street
• Blue badge holders
• Parent or carer taking a child with special educational needs (SEN) to school
• School staff at the school
• Businesses based on school streets

Can a visitor voucher or paper scratchcard be used to enter a school street?

No - During these restricted times any visitor voucher or paper scratchcard will not be valid when entering the affected school streets.  

Can a blue badge holder apply for more than one school street permit?

No - During these restricted times any visitor voucher or paper scratchcard will not be valid when entering the affected school streets.

Can a parent or carer apply for a school street permit?

No – you will not qualify for a permit unless you or your child is a blue badge holder, or your child has SEN.

How will a school street be enforced?

We are using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to automatically check if a vehicle has a school street permit.

If a vehicle enters a school street during the restricted times without a school street permit a penalty charge notice will automatically be issued.

What happens if my vehicle is parked on a school street, during the restricted times without a school street permit?

You will be able to leave without a penalty charge notice being issued.

However, if you then return during the restricted hours, a penalty charge notice will automatically be issued.

What should I do if I’m expecting a delivery?

You should arrange for your item to be delivered outside of the restriction times, and if the vehicle is parked before the restricted times then they will be able to leave without a penalty charge notice being issued.

Do I get a permit to display in my vehicle?

No – we are using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to automatically check if a vehicle has a school street permit.

However, we will send you a confirmation email as soon as your application is processed.

What documents do I need to provide for a school street permit?

Do I need to apply if I already have an active virtual (paperless) permit? 

Yes – but the application process will be shorter and quicker because we already have your details. 

What happens after I submit my application? 

We will send you an email to let you know if your application has been approved within five working days. 

Please do not use the school street during operational hours until you have received confirmation that your application has been approved.

Tips on uploading your documents 

If you are not sure how to scan and upload your documents, read our  tips on uploading documents.

What happens after I complete my application? 

We aim to process your application within 5 working days and email you as soon as we process your application. 

What should I do if I need to park on a school street before my application is processed? 

You can park on another street or if you are already parked in the school street before the restricted times you will be able to leave without a penalty charge notice being issued.   

However, if you then return during the restricted hours a penalty charge notice will automatically be issued. 

How do I request a change of vehicle or address?

You must tell us immediately if you need to change the vehicle registration or address by completing the application form. 

Please do not use the school street during operational hours until you have received confirmation that your application has been approved.

How do I apply for a school street permit? 

• Read the terms and conditions 

• Complete the online application and upload your documents

Apply for a school street permit 

Apply for a school street permit online.