Covid response times hit by road closures, say ambulance drivers

ROAD closures banning traffic from certain streets in school hours could be costing lives rather than saving them, a private ambulance service has warned.

Pollution concerns have led some councils to restrict the use of vehicles near schools during drop-off and pickup time.

The School Street Road Closure scheme has proved popular in London where air pollution was a factor in the death of a nine-year-old asthmatic girl.

But an ambulance service in north London has written to Hackney council, pointing out that the system is leading to traffic chaos elsewhere, making it difficult to respond to emergencies.

The Hatzola ambulance service, staffed by volunteers and operating mainly within the Jewish community, has said their response times have been hugely impacted by the road closures.

Hatzola paramedics said demand for their service has rocketed during the pandemic and they ease pressure on the London Ambulance Service.

But they warned that the road closures were compromising their ability to reach patients in time.

Gabriel Schleider, of the Hatzola trustees, said: “Instead of reducing congestion the road closures shift traffic to the surrounding roads which means our medical technicians are delayed in reaching those who need urgent help.

“A delay of just a few minutes really does make a difference to those in life-threatening situations and we urge you to reconsider this scheme.

“We are committed to working in partnership with you to create a greener Hackney. We wholeheartedly support your desire to tackle congestion and improve air quality at the school gates, but we do not believe this should be done at the expense of saving lives.”

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the capital have compounded problems with many residential roads blocked off. Hackney mayor Philip Glanville said: “School Streets temporarily close roads outside school gates for an hour at opening and closing times to improve road safety and help children walk and cycle to school.

“I really value the work that Hatzola does. Officers and I have had extensive engagement with them and the wider community about these interventions and been very clear that emergency services – including Hatzola – are exempt from School Streets restrictions when responding to emergencies.

He added: “While we believe School Streets have a minimal impact on traffic in surrounding areas, we are monitoring traffic levels, listening to stakeholders and will make adjustments to schemes if necessary.

“With 160 people killed or seriously injured on Hackney’s roads in 2018, and one of the highest premature death rates in the country from poor air quality, not tackling traffic outside our schools is unacceptable.”