Over three-quarters of councils cover School Streets camera costs in two years, analysis finds

More than three-quarters of London’s School Street schemes covered the costs of installing ANPR cameras within two years, according to analysis carried out by Mums for Lungs. Its findings are based on Freedom of Information requests sent to all 32 London boroughs and the City of London.

Data received showed that 76% of schemes either broke even to cover implementation and ongoing costs or generated income. The true figure could be higher, with better and more robust data collection or changes to how the scheme is enforced, said Mums for Lungs.  

Out of the 24% of councils who responded that they could not provide information on whether the scheme breaks even, this is “either because they aren’t enforcing the scheme, didn’t provide accurate or complete costs for implementation, or have a volunteer-led scheme”, said the campaign group. “With better reporting and enforcement, these councils would have a clearer picture of the benefits of their school streets.”

According to Mums for Lungs, School Streets reduce nitrogen dioxide levels outside schools by up to 23% and make the school run safer for children, their parents and carers.

As of July 2025, there are over 800 School Streets in London, but only around 200 in the rest of the United Kingdom, the group estimates. “An expansion of School Streets outside of London would improve air quality, boost safety and likely generate income to be reinvested back into important transport, highways and environment projects.”

Jemima Hartshorn, Founder and Director, Mums for Lungs, said: “The evidence shows that School Streets are successful at reducing toxic air and encouraging parents and carers to ditch the car on the school run.

“This latest FOI data shows that in addition to this, that councils who enforce School Streets using ANPR cameras will find that the schemes pay for themselves and often generate income for transport, highways and environmental projects. Most School Streets are currently in London, but the many proven benefits mean that councils across the country should introduce or expand their School Streets schemes.”

Paul Driscoll, Ealing Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, said: “Ealing Council fully supports the School Streets initiative as it helps children, and their families, include physical activity into their day by making it safer and more convenient to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school.

“School Streets make people’s streets more pleasant by stopping poor parking behaviour, cut-through traffic and helps to improve air quality by reducing congestion at busy times.

“We are also getting feedback from residents, where there are School Streets, that they are less congested and less stressful in the mornings and afternoons and we are aiming for all suitable schools to have a School Street by 2026.”