Your Avenue. Your Voice:
Let’s make Handsworth Safer and Healthier!

Dear fellow neighbour,

We are a local action group made up of parents and residents in Highams Park. We are hugely concerned about the traffic issues on Handsworth Avenue and surrounding streets that our children navigate their way through every day. We need your help to try and improve the situation.

The problem

Every morning and afternoon, school drop-offs and pick-ups turn the area into a stressful and dangerous place. Handsworth Avenue becomes clogged with cars, leading to risky driving and aggressive behavior that we and our children have witnessed. The high number of vehicles also worsens air quality, creating long-term health risks, especially for young lungs. This situation makes the environment unsafe for both our children and ourselves. With over 1,900 children attending two schools and a nursery, we need positive change.

Imagine a street free of traffic, where children can walk to school safely without cars and pollution!

  • “We strongly believe that implementing a School Street is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our children and creating a more sustainable and child-friendly community”

    Claire Nairne – Headteacher Handsworth Primary School

  • “I dread turning onto Handsworth Avenue in the mornings with my kids. They shouldn’t have to put up with the volume of traffic we’re experiencing.”

    Quote source

What can be done

  • School Street

    A School Street is the outcome we are looking for, which briefly closes the street to traffic at the start and end of the school day during term time, Monday to Friday, creating a safer, healthier environment for all residents and users of the street, especially the 1900+ school children.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)

    Having a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in place is necessary to introduce a School Street, so this is the first step that needs action. A CPZ will reduce traffic, prioritising residents and making the street safer for school children.

    FIND OUT MORE

How can I help?

The council will start talks to make these important changes if enough people support the campaign, especially those living on the affected streets. By filling out the quick form below, you show your support for change. Together, we can make a difference!