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School Streets Frequently Asked Questions

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Where are School Streets?

You can find locations of all our permanent and temporary School Streets at our School Streets Map.



How will School Streets be enforced?

School Street, or pedestrian and cycle only zones, are enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Signs are installed on entry to the school street area, displaying the operational times and days of the restrictions. Outside of school term time the sign will be flipped showing a grey sign face, suspending the restriction. This will allow road users to use the road when schools are closed.

Signs will be placed at entry and exit points to the School Street. This will inform drivers of the timed restrictions in place.

There will be two types of signs that are part of a school street. The first sign is a pre-warning; letting you know that there is a road where restrictions apply approaching in the direction indicated.


The second sign will be present on both sides of the mouth of the road where the School Street restrictions apply. The signs will show the timings of the School Street.


Only vehicles that have registered in advance for a permit will be allowed to enter the Street. Exempt vehicles are also allowed to enter the Street.

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued by post to the registered keeper of vehicles who enter the street when not permitted to do so.


Who is eligible for a permit?

The following can apply for a School Street permit to allow them to enter the School Street during controlled hours:

  • Residents within the School Street

  • Businesses within the School Street

  • Parents/carers related to pupils who hold a Blue Badge (proof of Blue Badge, proof of vehicle ownership and proof of address will be required)

  • Carers serving a property within the School Street

  • Vehicles used to transport pupils with Special Education Needs, disabilities or Limited Mobility

  • Permanent school staff.


The following list, which is not exhaustive, are examples of exemptions from the School Street Zone. This means they do not have to apply for a permit but can still travel through the School Street during active hours:

  • Vehicle authorised by the council when used in the service of a local authority in pursuance of statutory powers or duties, provided that in all circumstances it is reasonably necessary in the exercise of such duties for the vehicle to enter the pedestrian and cycle zone

  • Vehicle authorised by the council to enter the restricted area for the purpose of collecting waste from the pedestrian and cycle zone or any land only accessible by entering

  • Vehicles used by services such a Dial a Ride which provide transport for disabled people and older people who are unable or virtually unable to use public transport

  • Vehicles used for school transport (minibuses/coaches)

  • Vehicle used by Royal Mail

  • Vehicle used by Medical Practitioners

  • Recognised vehicles used for funeral processions (hearses/chief mourners’ vehicle)

  • Licensed Hackney Carriages (Black Cabs).


Which vehicles are not eligible for an exemption?

  • Vehicles driven by motorists living outside of a School Streets zone

  • Parents/carers dropping off/collecting children at the school

  • Visitors

  • Tradespeople

  • Delivery vehicles


In exceptional cases, the council will consider granting special exemptions on a case-by-case basis.


What if I am already parked inside the School Street when it comes into operation?

All vehicles already parked in the street before the times of operation will be able to leave.

I'm a parent or guardian, can I enter the School Street?

Parents or guardian dropping children at school in motorised vehicles will not be able to enter the School Street. You will be able to walk, cycle or wheel to school in a more friendly and safe environment.


Can schools apply to permits?

All permanent school staffs can apply for a permit. Permits are managed through a nominated person at the school.


How long do School Street schemes last?

School Streets are delivered under an Experimental Traffic Order which can last up to 18 months. A decision will be made within this period to either make the School Street permanent, make amendments, or remove. This decision is made by reviewing data collected during the experimental phase.

To give your thoughts on a current school street scheme simply go to the Consultation page.


How do I apply for a permit?

Residents and businesses can apply for parking permits for the School Street exemption online by creating a permit account https://barnet.nsl-apply.co.uk/Account/Login.

If you are not able to apply online you can contact our Parking Permit Team to assist you by email at parking.permits@barnet.gov.uk

Please remember to set the start date of the permit to the start date of when the scheme comes into effect.

For those that qualify for permits but are not residents nor businesses you would need to contact the Parking Client Team by email parking.clientteam@barnet.gov.uk to request a parking permit.


What documents are required?

Residents are required to provide proof of residential address and vehicle. For more information surrounding the accepted proof documentation please visit the following website https://www.barnet.gov.uk/parking/parking-permits-and-vouchers/apply-or-renew-parking-permits-or-vouchers/resident-parking

Businesses are required to provide proof of the business address and vehicle. For more information surrounding the accepted proof documentation please visit the following website https://www.barnet.gov.uk/parking/parking-permits-and-vouchers/apply-or-renew-parking-permits-or-vouchers/business-parking

For those that qualify for permits but are not residents nor businesses you will be advised of what proof is required upon contacting the Parking Client Team by email parking.clientteam@barnet.gov.uk.


How many permits can I apply for?

Residents are entitled to a maximum of four vehicle-specific permits at any one time. These last for 12 months. These are specific to the school street in which you live.

Businesses are entitled to a maximum of four permits per household at any one time. These last for 12 months. These are specific to the school street in which your business operates.

For those that qualify for permits but are not residents or businesses you will be advised of the quantity of permits you are eligible for when you contact the Parking Client Team by email parking.clientteam@barnet.gov.uk


Do I need to display my permit?

The School Street exemption permits are virtual. This means you do not need to display anything in your vehicle. Your permit is electronic and is associated with your vehicle registration number.

Patrolling Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) will be able to view your permit on their handheld computers.


What should I do if I change my vehicle?

If you are a resident or business and have changed your vehicle, you do not need to cancel your permit.

All you need to do is add the new vehicle to your permit account and upload the new vehicle documents. Once the new vehicle has been added and the documents uploaded you can then proceed with the change of vehicle request.

For those that qualify for permits but are not residents nor businesses you can contact the Parking Client Team by email parking.clientteam@barnet.gov.uk to request a change of vehicle. We may contact you to provide further evidence.

Where are School Streets?

You can find locations of all our permanent and temporary School Streets at our School Streets Map.



How will School Streets be enforced?

School Street, or pedestrian and cycle only zones, are enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Signs are installed on entry to the school street area, displaying the operational times and days of the restrictions. Outside of school term time the sign will be flipped showing a grey sign face, suspending the restriction. This will allow road users to use the road when schools are closed.

Signs will be placed at entry and exit points to the School Street. This will inform drivers of the timed restrictions in place.

There will be two types of signs that are part of a school street. The first sign is a pre-warning; letting you know that there is a road where restrictions apply approaching in the direction indicated.


The second sign will be present on both sides of the mouth of the road where the School Street restrictions apply. The signs will show the timings of the School Street.


Only vehicles that have registered in advance for a permit will be allowed to enter the Street. Exempt vehicles are also allowed to enter the Street.

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued by post to the registered keeper of vehicles who enter the street when not permitted to do so.


Who is eligible for a permit?

The following can apply for a School Street permit to allow them to enter the School Street during controlled hours:

  • Residents within the School Street

  • Businesses within the School Street

  • Parents/carers related to pupils who hold a Blue Badge (proof of Blue Badge, proof of vehicle ownership and proof of address will be required)

  • Carers serving a property within the School Street

  • Vehicles used to transport pupils with Special Education Needs, disabilities or Limited Mobility

  • Permanent school staff.


The following list, which is not exhaustive, are examples of exemptions from the School Street Zone. This means they do not have to apply for a permit but can still travel through the School Street during active hours:

  • Vehicle authorised by the council when used in the service of a local authority in pursuance of statutory powers or duties, provided that in all circumstances it is reasonably necessary in the exercise of such duties for the vehicle to enter the pedestrian and cycle zone

  • Vehicle authorised by the council to enter the restricted area for the purpose of collecting waste from the pedestrian and cycle zone or any land only accessible by entering

  • Vehicles used by services such a Dial a Ride which provide transport for disabled people and older people who are unable or virtually unable to use public transport

  • Vehicles used for school transport (minibuses/coaches)

  • Vehicle used by Royal Mail

  • Vehicle used by Medical Practitioners

  • Recognised vehicles used for funeral processions (hearses/chief mourners’ vehicle)

  • Licensed Hackney Carriages (Black Cabs).


Which vehicles are not eligible for an exemption?

  • Vehicles driven by motorists living outside of a School Streets zone

  • Parents/carers dropping off/collecting children at the school

  • Visitors

  • Tradespeople

  • Delivery vehicles


In exceptional cases, the council will consider granting special exemptions on a case-by-case basis.


What if I am already parked inside the School Street when it comes into operation?

All vehicles already parked in the street before the times of operation will be able to leave.

I'm a parent or guardian, can I enter the School Street?

Parents or guardian dropping children at school in motorised vehicles will not be able to enter the School Street. You will be able to walk, cycle or wheel to school in a more friendly and safe environment.


Can schools apply to permits?

All permanent school staffs can apply for a permit. Permits are managed through a nominated person at the school.


How long do School Street schemes last?

School Streets are delivered under an Experimental Traffic Order which can last up to 18 months. A decision will be made within this period to either make the School Street permanent, make amendments, or remove. This decision is made by reviewing data collected during the experimental phase.

To give your thoughts on a current school street scheme simply go to the Consultation page.


How do I apply for a permit?

Residents and businesses can apply for parking permits for the School Street exemption online by creating a permit account https://barnet.nsl-apply.co.uk/Account/Login.

If you are not able to apply online you can contact our Parking Permit Team to assist you by email at parking.permits@barnet.gov.uk

Please remember to set the start date of the permit to the start date of when the scheme comes into effect.

For those that qualify for permits but are not residents nor businesses you would need to contact the Parking Client Team by email parking.clientteam@barnet.gov.uk to request a parking permit.


What documents are required?

Residents are required to provide proof of residential address and vehicle. For more information surrounding the accepted proof documentation please visit the following website https://www.barnet.gov.uk/parking/parking-permits-and-vouchers/apply-or-renew-parking-permits-or-vouchers/resident-parking

Businesses are required to provide proof of the business address and vehicle. For more information surrounding the accepted proof documentation please visit the following website https://www.barnet.gov.uk/parking/parking-permits-and-vouchers/apply-or-renew-parking-permits-or-vouchers/business-parking

For those that qualify for permits but are not residents nor businesses you will be advised of what proof is required upon contacting the Parking Client Team by email parking.clientteam@barnet.gov.uk.


How many permits can I apply for?

Residents are entitled to a maximum of four vehicle-specific permits at any one time. These last for 12 months. These are specific to the school street in which you live.

Businesses are entitled to a maximum of four permits per household at any one time. These last for 12 months. These are specific to the school street in which your business operates.

For those that qualify for permits but are not residents or businesses you will be advised of the quantity of permits you are eligible for when you contact the Parking Client Team by email parking.clientteam@barnet.gov.uk


Do I need to display my permit?

The School Street exemption permits are virtual. This means you do not need to display anything in your vehicle. Your permit is electronic and is associated with your vehicle registration number.

Patrolling Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) will be able to view your permit on their handheld computers.


What should I do if I change my vehicle?

If you are a resident or business and have changed your vehicle, you do not need to cancel your permit.

All you need to do is add the new vehicle to your permit account and upload the new vehicle documents. Once the new vehicle has been added and the documents uploaded you can then proceed with the change of vehicle request.

For those that qualify for permits but are not residents nor businesses you can contact the Parking Client Team by email parking.clientteam@barnet.gov.uk to request a change of vehicle. We may contact you to provide further evidence.

Page last updated: 27 Jun 2024, 01:34 PM