The installation of a traffic filter and camera on Ashenden Road has prompted a backlash from local residents.
Drivers caught using the road without a permit will now be fined £130 in an attempt to encourage people to walk, cycle and shop instead.
One resident of Ashenden Road, who wishes to remain nameless, argued that the traffic filter would “further congest and pollute our main roads and cause further risk [and] distress to residents living on those main roads and children attending school.”
Many locals have expressed their disapproval on social media, calling for the council to reverse the decision. One Facebook user argued that it “caused more traffic and pollution” and was “a complete waste of tax-payers money”.
The traffic filter is one of three installed in the Homerton area as part of Hackney Council’s plan to rebuild a greener borough post-pandemic.
The scheme will be in place for a trial period of 18 months and residents are encouraged to have their say, in line with guidance from the Department of Transport and TfL.
Councillor Jon Burke, Hackney borough’s cabinet member for transport, said that the filters were introduced following complaints that residential roads were frequently being used as shortcuts.
“Camera enforcement is therefore necessary to discourage drivers from ignoring closure signs – and to tackle the road casualty and air pollution crises that Hackney faces,” he said.
