 of any London borough – read on for a guide.){kind=link}
Hackney has the highest proportion of roads covered by Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) of any London borough. With 19 schemes, LTNs cover 50 per cent of its total area. With some of the highest cycling rates in the capital, Hackney’s approach reflects its commitment to safer, greener streets.?
LTNs aim to reduce vehicle traffic in residential and commercial areas by making streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. But they have proved divisive, earning praise for their environmental benefits and provoking criticism for increasing congestion.
What are Low Traffic Neighbourhoods?
LTNs restrict through-traffic using roadblocks like bollards, planters, road signs and camera-controlled bus gates. These promote sustainable travel, reduce congestion and improve air quality. Although buses, delivery services, and emergency vehicles can still access LTNs via camera-operated bus gates, general traffic flow is significantly reduced.
Hackney Council has said the introduction of LTNs is “crucial to reduce our reliance on road transport and tackle climate change”. Council data reveals a reduction in pollution levels in 329 of the 388 locations tested within its LTNs and surrounding areas.?
Why are LTNs controversial?
Critics argue these schemes have increased congestion on boundary roads and that diversions have significantly increased journey times. In 2021, the LTN covering Queensbridge Road led to a decrease in traffic flows within the area, but traffic on nearby Forest Road and Laurel Street increased by 36% and 34% respectively.
Critics have also hit out at the number of fines issued to drivers passing through LTNs. In 2021 alone, Hackney Council collected £8.9 million just from LTN fines. One X user asked: “Hackney Council are closing roads and diverting you to a LTN (with signage) and then issuing fines. How are they allowed to do this?”
Another X user commented: “LTN residents get to keep their cars & drive longer on other people’s roads. So, what’s not to like for them? The rest of us have to live with more pollution, buses sitting in congestion, walk on more dangerous roads, & work in more polluted conditions.”
There are also concerns about accessibility – particularly for road users with mobility issues who require vehicle access to travel. To address some of these accessibility concerns, Hackney is the only London borough to introduce HAC01 permits.?
What are HAC01 permits?
Hackney Council offers an exemption in the form of a HAC01 permit, which allows those with blue badges to drive through certain LTN traffic filters. But these permits require a separate application stage, and the exemption applies to just six of the borough’s traffic filters.
In November, the council began allowing users of the Taxicard service to drive through filters that have the HAC01 exemption. The Taxicard service is a London-wide scheme offering subsidised taxi and private hire travel for those with long-term mobility difficulties or severe sight impairment.
Taxicard users can now drive through six of Hackney’s camera-operated bus gates, including Stoke Newington Church Street, Shepherdess Walk, Downs Road, Lansdowne Drive, and two locations on Richmond Road. The exemption is automatically applied to vehicles booked through the Taxicard system.
The effect of LTNs on businesses
Concerns have also been raised about LTNs’ impact on businesses that are reliant on vehicle access. Some business owners have suggested the change in traffic patterns has reduced customer footfall. One shop owner, on Stoke Newington Church Street, said LTNS “have made [life] even worse for small business”.
Still, many residents and environmental groups support LTNs, citing improvements in air quality and road safety – and, more generally, calmer neighbourhoods. Campaign group Low Traffic Hackney believes LTNs make our streets “more accessible and welcoming to all”. The Hackney Cycle Campaign, meanwhile, believes LTNs create “quiet and safe areas … that open up streets and connect communities”. The council is considering plans to introduce further LTNs in Dalston, Chatsworth Road and Hoxton East.?
Lily Scaplehorn - community reporter for Clissold - former political reporter at Radio Cardiff and Bro Radio