Children in Putney were given the chance to safely play in the street outside their primary school as part of a new neighbourhood community initiative.

Working in partnership with Wandsworth Council and charity Sustrans, kids from Granard Primary School were able to take part in the Play Street last week (June 12).

With Cortis Terrace closed to traffic and stewards on duty to prevent any motor vehicle access it was certainly a day to enjoy.

The school's travel plan co-ordinator, Sara Rahmani said: "The aim of our Play Street was to provide our children with a safe space to play and to ease the congestion and road safety concerns that our families often experience during drop-off and pick-up time by facilitating a timed traffic restriction on the road outside the school gate.

"The streets around our school are often dominated by idling cars and speeding traffic at drop-off and pick-up times, resulting in air pollution and an environment that is generally unpleasant for walking and cycling.

"By demonstrating that closing the road outside our school is achievable, and by measuring its impact and sharing our findings, we are aiming to encourage more regular street closures. "Ultimately, we want to affect a permanent change in the way children travel to school."

The council also revealed that it was keen to pilot a “school streets” initiative at which would see the roads containing school entrances closed to traffic when pupils arrive in the mornings

and leave in the afternoons.

The council is currently considering the practicality of “school streets” at Penwortham, Hillbrook, Alderbrook, Earlsfield and Furzedown primaries.

Transport spokesman Councillor Paul Ellis added: “Reducing the impact of vehicle traffic and encouraging parents and children to walk to school are key priorities for the council. If parents and local residents in any affected streets agree to trial schemes, there could be a really beneficial impact on air quality standards around these schools. What will also be important is making sure we get the logistics of the scheme right.”

While vehicle traffic is normally prevented from entering any school streets, it does not apply to local residents who live in the streets or drivers with a disability who need access. The scheme would apply only during term times.