Forest Hill Primary School hits £7.5K target for ULEZ-ready school bus

A primary school in Forest Hill has reached its fundraising target to replace its old minibus so it can meet the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) conditions.

Perrymount Primary School in Sunderland Road hit the £7,500 target for a new bus after donations from the school community and businesses.

The minibus currently being used by the school is in need of replacement because it cannot meet the requirements of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which starts just a third of a mile away from the school.

Perrymount has a higher proportion of pupils with physical disabilities than many other primary schools in the area.

The minibus is essential get the children to activities such as swimming lessons as well as visits to museums and parks.

Schools with minibuses can register for a temporary 100 per cent discount on the charge, but after October 29 2023 all minibuses travelling into the ULEZ will need to meet the emissions standard or pay the daily ULEZ charge.

Bellway London Partnerships, which is building new homes at Dacres Wood Court in Mayow Road, has given £500 towards the new minibus for the school.

Honey Webb, chairwoman of the Friends of Perrymount PTA, said: “Perrymount’s old mini bus has put in many years of service but it was fast approaching retirement age and the arrival of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) meant the school needed a new set of wheels sooner rather than later.

“A key part of Perrymount’s commitment to inclusion involves making sure all children have access to educational visits and activities that take place outside of school, which is why having an adapted minibus on site is so crucial.”

Pictured top: Children from Perrymount Primary School with headteacher Christine-Keen and Bellways Agnieszka Komza on the old minibus (Picture: Bellway London)