Pitfield Street & Hyde Road Proposed Permanent Modal Filters

Overview

We are seeking your views on proposals to make the current temporary modal filter restrictions around the new Britannia Leisure Centre development permanent to achieve a safer and more pleasant environment around the Shoreditch Park area.

Why are these changes being proposed?

You may be aware that Pitfield Street and Hyde Road have been closed to motorised traffic for over two years to allow for the construction of the new Britannia Leisure Centre and new Academy. These closures were introduced for safety purposes given the ongoing construction works in this area, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, as the numbers are expected to rise due to the new developments, the Quietway cycle route on Hyde Road and the C1 (formerly CS1) cycle route along Pitfield Street.

Our Transport Strategy includes a Liveable Neighbourhoods Plan, which recognises that local streets are not just places to park vehicles or drive, walk and cycle on. They are places where we socialise and live our lives. Our aspiration is to reclaim Hackney’s streets from motor traffic congestion and transform them into the most attractive and liveable neighbourhoods in London.

Encouraging the use of cleaner and greener transport options (particularly walking, cycling and public transport) and reducing non-essential private car journeys are key long-term objectives for the Council due to the wide range of benefits these transport options can bring, including:

• Reducing potential road accidents.
• Improving personal mobility through the use of sustainable transport.
• Creating safer, cleaner and quieter residential streets.

The Council has also received complaints about the level of traffic on other roads surrounding the area such as Whitmore Road / De Beauvoir Road, and will be investigating these as part of a potential separate scheme.

What are the proposals?

Please refer to the drawing here for details.

The proposals include:

• Making permanent the current closure on Pitfield Street to the south of Hemsworth Street. This filter will continue to be camera enforced.
• Making permanent the current closure on Hyde Road between Pitfield Street and Northport Street. This filter will continue to be camera enforced.
• Maintaining access through the closures to cycles, emergency services and refuse vehicles.

FAQs

Q. Will I be able to access my home/business?

Yes. The proposed permanent modal filters will continue to operate as they currently do. You can drive up to the closure point on Pitfield Street from both ends but not through the closure. You can also drive up to the modal filter on Hyde Road by Northport Street and the junction with Hoxton Street, but not through the closure. If you are a resident or business owner in the area and you have a motor vehicle, you will still be able to drive to your home or business, in the same way that it has been operating for the last two years.

Q. Has anti-social behaviour been considered in the design of this scheme?

Yes. The proposals have been consulted on with the Metropolitan Police. Hackney Council has also consulted with our Environmental Enforcement team which will continue to monitor the area with regular visits especially outside social hours.

Q. Where can I load/unload if I receive deliveries?

Deliveries will still be able to get to your home or business, in the same way that it has been operating for the last two years.

Q. Are the closures going to remain as they are with the current planters and signs?

If the scheme goes ahead following consultation, the Council would be seeking funding and looking at different options with the view to replace the planters with a new permanent design. This could include the introduction of planted areas with sustainable drainage and trees. Further information regarding these proposed works would be sent out prior to any change

What happens next?

We will publish the consultation responses as well as the decisions made at consultation.hackney. gov.uk/streetscene/shoreditchparkarea

To keep up to date with this and other plans, please visit hackney.gov.uk/street-consultations