Roads outside four primary schools in Greenwich will close to traffic in the mornings and afternoons to cut pollution.

The move will also ensure children are safe when walking or cycling to school.

The stretch of roads outside the school gates will become pedestrian and cycle-only zones between 8am and 9.30am and 3pm and 4pm during term time.

The first four schools, which all requested to be part of the trial, are De Lucy Primary School in Cookhill Road, Abbey Wood, Gordon Primary School in Grangehill Road, Eltham, Haimo Primary School in Haimo Road, Eltham, and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Pelton Road, Greenwich.

The schools and the council will talk to parents and residents about the scheme over the coming weeks before trialling the closures for around six to12 months.

Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, cabinet member for air quality, public realm and transport, said: “Recent research by TfL shows that about a quarter of London’s weekday morning traffic is made up of parents dropping their children to school.

"Even though most children live within walking distance, the roads outside schools are still choked with cars every morning and afternoon, which is dangerous for everyone.

"Teachers have been concerned about this for some time, which is why they have approached us to bring in the borough’s first School Streets.

"We will be testing the schemes for six to 12 months, and listening to local residents, parents and pupils, to make sure they work properly before deciding on whether to make them permanent.”

School staff will be available to allow access for emergency vehicles and Blue Badge holders who need to access the roads.

Residents who live on the affected streets will be encouraged to avoid coming and going during the closures but should contact the school for access in emergencies.

The council and schools will ask residents and parents for their feedback during the trial, so the schemes can be amended and improved if needed.

A final decision will then be made on whether the scheme should be permanent.