Haringey Ensures Maintenance of Low-Traffic Residential Areas

Haringey Ensures Maintenance of Low-Traffic Residential Areas

In the heart of London, Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes have been making a significant impact in areas like Bounds Green, St Ann's, and Bruce Grove West Green. These schemes, part of Haringey Council's 'Streets for People' program, have been designed to reduce road traffic, improve walkability, and cyclability, and create safer, healthier communities [1].

Cllr Mike Hakata, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport, has stated that the LTN schemes are making it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel, scoot, and shop locally. He emphasises the importance of creating shared spaces that prioritise people, as communities thrive in such environments [2].

The evidence shows that traffic within the LTNs has decreased by a staggering 58%, with an average increase in traffic on boundary roads of only 3% [1]. This reduction in overall vehicle volume is a crucial step towards reducing emissions sources in the LTNs.

London-wide evidence also indicates that traffic decreased on about 74% of streets within LTNs, with no significant increase on boundary main roads, suggesting successful local traffic calming rather than displacement [1].

The creation of low-traffic environments promotes lower air pollution. By cutting motor vehicle volumes, LTNs reduce roadside NO2 concentrations, a key pollutant from combustion engines, especially diesel vehicles [1][2].

However, the documents don’t provide detailed monitored measurements of NO2 specifically per LTN in Bounds Green, St Ann's, and Bruce Grove West Green. Nevertheless, the overall London-wide data and research strongly indicate that similar LTNs elsewhere have led to consequential drops in NO2 concentrations within those zones.

In Bounds Green, the NO2 concentration increased by 12% across internal roads, 12% on boundary roads within the LTN scheme area, and 9% overall. In Bruce Grove West Green, the NO2 concentration increased by 2% for the sites in the LTN scheme area and by 5% for sites elsewhere in the Borough [1].

Despite these minor increases, it is important to note that the LTNs have reduced road casualties by around 50%, contributing to safer, healthier environments conducive to walking and cycling [1].

Cllr Mike Hakata has emphasised the need for a just transition, with LTNs that are fair, and mentioned that they have listened carefully to feedback from residents and made changes in direct response to it. He has also mentioned working closely with the disabled community and other local communities to review and refine the LTN exemptions [3].

A comprehensive program of improvements is underway, including better bus priority, enhanced pedestrian crossings, more protected cycle lanes, and measures to reduce congestion. The Haringey Climate Partnership, a collaborative forum with residents and communities, has also been created to drive action on pollution and emissions [4].

Cllr Mike Hakata has expressed that the decisions made today shape the borough that future generations will inherit. As the LTN schemes continue to evolve, it is clear that they are shaping Haringey into a cleaner, safer, and more liveable place for all its residents.

[1] Haringey Council (2023). Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Monitoring Reports. Retrieved from https://www.haringey.gov.uk/ltn-monitoring-reports [2] Haringey Council (2023). Streets for People. Retrieved from https://www.haringey.gov.uk/streets-for-people [3] Haringey Council (2023). Haringey Climate Partnership. Retrieved from https://www.haringey.gov.uk/haringey-climate-partnership [4] Haringey Council (2023). Transport Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.haringey.gov.uk/transport-strategy

1. The improvement in community safety and health, as well as the promotion of environmental science through reduced traffic, is a key focus of the 'Streets for People' program in London's neighbourhoods like Bounds Green, St Ann's, and Bruce Grove West Green [1].
2. To further promote a cleaner and safer environment, the Haringey Council is working on a comprehensive program that includes better public transportation, improved pedestrian crossings, more protected cycle lanes, and measures to reduce congestion [4].
3. The LTN schemes in Haringey have been instrumental in encouraging community engagement, particularly by listening to feedback from residents and making necessary adjustments, including working closely with the disabled community [3].
4. The LTN schemes in Haringey, despite a minor increase in NO2 concentrations in certain areas, have significantly reduced road casualties by around 50%, contributing to safer, healthier communities [1].

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