A Blackheath primary school has voiced strong concerns about the introduction of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s new West & East Greenwich Neighbourhood Management Scheme, citing a lack of communication and the potential negative impacts on students, staff, and the community.
Invicta Primary School, on Invicta Road, which falls near a series of newly designated low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) zones, criticised the council’s handling of the rollout and expressed frustration over lack of consultation.
Executive Headteacher Jodie Cawte, and Head of School Business and Operations, Kate Fry, shared a letter to parents outlining their grievances with the process and the potential consequences of the LTN scheme for their school community.
A primary concern is the potential increase in pollution and decreased air quality for students at the school’s Blackheath site. The school is situated near major traffic routes, including the A102 Blackwall Tunnel approach, which is expected to bear redirected traffic due to the LTN and the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel in spring next year.
‘The new LTN is intended to reduce traffic and pollution in certain areas,’ the letter states, ‘but there seems to be no consideration for those living and working adjacent to roads that will now see an influx of redirected vehicles.’
Despite several claims by Greenwich Council that all schools in the area had been consulted, the letter denies hearing anything before the LTN was implemented, stating, ‘Not one person from the council thought to contact, nor speak to our school before the LTN was implemented, and we are now struggling to make sense of the judgements behind this scheme, and concerned of the impact it will have on our pupils and our school.’
It is believed that the council also failed to consult with other schools in the area, including Fossdene in Charlton and James Wolfe in West Greenwich.
The letter, below, also claims that their appeals to the Mayor of London and local MPs have gone unheard, leaving the community with unresolved concerns about the health and safety of children.
Another significant issue is the LTN’s impact on teacher recruitment and retention. The school highlighted the challenges of attracting high-quality staff amid London’s existing cost-of-living crisis. It is claimed the new traffic restrictions will exacerbate these difficulties, as some teachers face extended commutes that could deter them from taking or keeping positions at the school.
‘With the current teacher shortages in England, this scheme places additional strain on our ability to recruit and retain staff who already travel significant distances,’ the letter explained.
The restrictions are also expected to disrupt the school’s daily operations. Teachers travelling between the school’s two sites, in Blackheath and Deptford, for lessons and essential training sessions face potential delays due to detours. While the council is considering exemptions for staff travel, no formal decision has been communicated.
‘The council’s suggestion for staff to “take the longer route” is impractical and would result in teachers arriving late to lessons, directly impacting students’ education,’ the letter continued.
Families and staff with disabilities who rely on car travel have also been left without clear guidance or support from the council. Although Greenwich residents who hold Blue Badges are eligible for exemptions, it does not extend to Blue Badge holders from outside the borough, and the school expressed frustration at the lack of proactive assistance.
The school is now urging parents and carers to support their efforts by providing feedback to the council and the Mayor of London here, emphasising the importance of addressing air quality concerns and ensuring the LTN implementation considers the needs of children, families, and staff.
‘We hope to get a more receptive response from someone who actually cares about our children, families, and staff,’ the letter concluded.
According to the letter, the council has yet to respond to the specific concerns raised by the school, but it has stated that further consultation with stakeholders will occur.
The scheme has faced criticism elsewhere since its launch on 27 November due to incomplete and confusing signage, and signs being erected on roads not included in the Experimental Traffic Order, including some which prevented residents from accessing their roads in a motor vehicle during hours of operation.