Two new 'healthy school streets' schemes are to be trialled in north Camden with exemptions in place for certain groups.

Camden Council has given a green light to the trial in certain sections of Belsize Lane, in Belsize Park, and Lyndhurst Road in Hampstead.

The schemes allow children in the borough to walk, cycle and wheel to school.

Proponents say they aim to improve air quality and road safety around school gates, however critics say such moves simply create more traffic and congestion elsewhere.

A trial already approved in West Hampstead to begin on September 6 will instead start on October 30 "due to a disruption in securing signage", Camden said on its website.  

The school street scheme runs between 8am - 9.15am and 3pm - 4pm, Monday to Friday, during school term time only and not on Bank Holidays.

In Belsize Lane, restrictions will be in place between the junctions of Wedderburn Road and Ornan Road, outside St Christopher’s School.

In Lyndhurst Gardens the scheme will be trialled between the junctions of Lyndhurst Road and Wedderburn Road, outside Maria Montessori School.

In West Hampstead restrictions have been agreed for Dornfell, Glastonbury, Ravenshaw and Broomsleigh streets.

Restrictions will be enforced by signage and automatic number plate recognition cameras at the junctions of Mill Lane and Ravenshaw Street and Broomsleigh Street.

There are also restrictions agreed on Maygrove Road, Loveridge Road and Ariel Road in West Hampstead to cover Kingsgate Primary School.

These have also been delayed due to signage issues and will begin on October 30.

Exemptions are in place for any vehicles registered to properties and businesses on the streets, any ambulance, fire brigade or police car and refuse collection vehicles.

Blue Disabled Badge holders that require access to an address within the Healthy School Street will also be exempt as will door to door services such as Plus Bus and Dial A Ride.

There are also exemptions for taxis or other door to door transportation for elderly or disabled residents, and their carers.

Camden ran a consultation over its proposals over three weeks during October and November 2022. 

Councillors also agreed to add two bike hangars on each of Belsize Lane and Wedderburn Road.

To comment on the  schemes or register objections visit: https://safetravelcamden.commonplace.is/