A funding bid by Hackney Council to close Stoke Newington Church Street to polluting through-traffic during the daytime has been approved by Transport for London (TfL).
As part of the plans, which are set to be introduced on 20 September, a bus gate will be installed that would operate from 7am-7pm each day of the week. It will only permit buses, cyclists, pedestrians and emergency vehicles to pass through.
According to the council, following engagement with local businesses the restriction is timed to balance the need to reduce traffic with delivery and servicing requirements of businesses on Church Street.
A further five 24-hour traffic filters, allowing only pedestrians, cyclists, emergency and waste vehicles through, will also be introduced in the area to prevent traffic from using alternative residential routes as a shortcut.
The move is part of wider plans to rebuild a greener Hackney in the aftermath of the pandemic, improve air quality, and help people to walk, cycle and support local businesses as the borough emerges from coronavirus restrictions. It also follows engagement with residents in 2019.
“Over a number of years we’ve been speaking to people in Stoke Newington about how we can improve Church Street and the surrounding area. During those consultations, people told us that traffic and pollution levels are too high, which is why we’re introducing these plans,” said Mete Coban, cabinet member for energy, waste, transport and public realm.
“I’m delighted to get the go-ahead from TfL on this scheme, which, as we recover from the pandemic, will support our communities to walk, cycle and shop in their local neighbourhood – helping local businesses in the process – and reduce traffic and pollution on Church Street, Albion Road and the surrounding area.”
Following the introduction of measures around Church Street, which are funded by TfL and the Department for Transport, the council will introduce blended crossings on Bouverie Road and Yoakley Road, which are funded by the mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund.
The council added it is also continuing to develop designs for local pavement widening where this is possible along the road.
Additionally, as its traffic modelling shows there could be a small increase in traffic on Crossway as a result, it is working on possible measures to mitigate any excess traffic levels on this stretch.
