It used to be the most polluted primary in Islington – now St John Evangelist is the first school to ban cars at pick-up and drop-off times.

The Duncan Terrace school was in 2016 found to have the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide. In a consultation earlier this year, 83 per cent of respondents backed it to be the first to trial the scheme on an 18-month basis.

Duncan Street will now be closed between 8.15am to 9.15am and 3pm to 3.45pm term time only. Drivers that enter the street during those times that don’t have exemptions will be fined.

Headteacher Stephanie Day said: “The road outside is very narrow and the number of vehicles using it as the children arrive has been a safety concern for us for a number of years. It will also help to reduce the high levels of pollution making the air quality safer.”

The council wants to introduce more school streets. Transport and environment chief Cllr Claudia Webbe said: “We’re determined to take action to improve air quality at the school gates.”