Hackney Downs Low Traffic Neighbourhood - Proposed improvements

Overview

This consultation outlines proposals to improve the Hackney Downs low traffic neighbourhood (LTN), following traffic monitoring and feedback from residents during its trial period. The LTN was made permanent in February 2022. These proposals are part of our plans to create a greener, healthier Hackney, improve road safety and support people to walk, shop and cycle locally. For more information on the Hackney Downs LTN, visit hackney.gov.uk/hackney-downs-ltn

Why are we proposing changes?

The Hackney Downs LTN is bounded by A107 Upper/Lower Clapton Road to the east, Northwold Road to the north, A10 Rectory Road to the west and Downs Road to the south.

After considering traffic and air quality data, alongside responses provided by residents, we made the decision to make the Hackney Downs LTN permanent in February 2022. As part of this LTN being made permanent, the Council committed to reviewing the operation of LTN as some residents expressed concern about how it was working.

Since then we have further investigated the impacts of the LTN.

A ward forum meeting also took place in May 2023, which provided a platform for discussions between residents and the Council. Some residents shared their concerns about increased traffic congestion, accessibility challenges, safety issues at certain junctions and the flow of traffic within the Hackney Downs LTN.

The proposed changes reflect the findings of our investigation and residents’ feedback. The traffic data we have used to inform these decisions can be viewed here: hackney.gov.uk/hackney-downs-ltn

What are we proposing?

The proposals cover sections of Hackney Downs LTN as shown on the drawing and include improvements to traffic flow and road safety, proposals to green sections of Northwold Road, more attractive and sustainable public space, and encouraging walking and cycling in the area.

Benthal Road

• Introducing a one way system (southbound), between its junctions with Brooke Road and Evering Road to help manage southbound traffic between Jenner Road and Benthal Road and reduce localised traffic congestion.

Jenner Road

• Introducing a one way system (southbound), between its junctions with Brooke Road and Evering Road to prevent southbound traffic using Jenner Road to cut through the cell.
• Introducing a one way system (northbound), between its junctions with Stoke Newington Common and Brooke Road to prevent northbound traffic using Jenner Road to cut through the cell.

Northwold Road

In Northwold Road, we are proposing to improve the existing traffic calming measures, widen pavements, plant 11 new trees and introduce new rain gardens. This will make it greener, more biodiverse, help mitigate local flood risk and support local residents to walk and cycle. The specific proposals include:

• Modifying existing traffic calming measures along Northwold Road which include adjusting the height and gradient of the raised table ramps to allow smoother passage of traffic.
• Widening the pavement on Fountayne Road junction with Northwold Road outside the parade of shops, removing the existing raised wall in the island and converting the island west of Fountayne Road into a new rain garden (outside shops), installing new cycle stands and resurface the carriageway between Fontayne Road and Alconbury Road.

Examples of rain gardens

• Widening the pavement at the Durlston Road junction with Northwold Road to provide rain gardens, planting trees and shrubs and providing a new crossing for pedestrian and wheelchair users.
• Replacing the existing block paving outside 93-95 Northwold Road through realigning the kerb and providing rain gardens, trees and shrubs.
• Realigning the kerbline on Northwold Road west of Geldeston Road adjacent to the bus stop, adding low level plants and extending the existing kerb build-out east of Gladstone Road outside No 125 Northwold Road.
• Extending the existing kerb build-out outside 125 Northwold Road to provide better visibility for pedestrians crossing the road.
• Introducing a new pedestrian island outside the library to improve pedestrian safety and planting new trees.

What happens next?

Your views will be taken into account as part of the detailed design process. We will publish the consultation results as well as the decisions made at consultation.hackney.gov.uk

Permanent works

If the scheme goes ahead, following consultation, we expect construction works to start in March with completion in about 12 weeks. Further information regarding the works would be sent out closer to the time.

Information

For further information on these proposals, please contact the Hackney Service Centre by calling 020 8356 2897 or by emailing streetscene.consultations@hackney.gov.uk

If you need any information on this consultation in a different format please email consultation@hackney.gov.uk We’ll consider your request and get back to you in five working days.