Image: Hackney Council
A quarter of people in Hackney have reported walking or cycling more frequently following the introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and School Streets, a survey of local residents has found.
Introduced over the past 18 months, the 19 new low traffic neighbourhoods and 40 School Streets are part of Hackney Council’s plans to rebuild a greener borough in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.
A representative poll of 812 residents, carried out by an independent polling organisation, found that 25% of respondents who ‘knew about nearby LTNs which affect them’ said the schemes have encouraged them to walk or cycle more.
In addition, 30% say they drive less as a result of the changes.
Hackney Council says these findings are backed up by monitoring from a number of roads in the London Fields LTN, where cycling rates have increased by:
- 11% on Richmond Road, west of Queensbridge Road
- 57% on Richmond Road, east of Queensbridge Road
- 37% on Middleton Road
The council also says bikes now make up between 31-65% of vehicles on these roads.
The poll also shows a ‘clear majority’ support the council’s 48 School Streets, with 72% wanting at least some School Streets to be made permanent.
Meanwhile, opinion on LTNs was evenly divided: with 48% wanting at least some to continue and 47% wanting them removed.
Cllr Mete Coban MBE, cabinet member for energy, waste, transport and public realm, said: “The news that people are walking and cycling more as a direct result of these changes is incredible.
“This was the number one aim of our plans to rebuild a greener Hackney – with the cleaner air, healthier lives and better neighbourhoods this brings.
“We’ve been engaging with local people throughout this process, and this polling – alongside traffic and air quality monitoring, and feedback from residents – helps us understand how these schemes are working and ensures we can tackle issues where they arise.
“We do know that there is still more work to be done to get these schemes right, and that’s why we’ll continue to work with residents on this.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in Hackney over the past 18 months, with 70% of eligible streets in the borough now low traffic zones.”
Hackney Council has also announced that the London Fields LTN – the borough’s largest – is set to be made permanent.
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