Every Blue Badge holder in Haringey will be able to make journeys through the borough’s three low traffic neighbourhood trials under proposed new rules to support people with disabilities.
The current procedure, introduced on day one of the schemes, enables permit holders living inside or on the immediate boundary of the scheme to travel through most camera-enforced traffic filters.
Next Tuesday (11 July), Cabinet will consider an update that would give around 10,000 residents access following a listening and engagement exercise with disability and community groups. Other proposals, subject to Cabinet approval, include allowing SEND vehicles registered with the council to pass through diagonal filters to support the transport of individuals with special educational needs and disabilities.
Cllr Mike Hakata, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, said:
We have engaged extensively with disability groups, including holding very positive discussions about how we can simplify the exemptions process.
We understand the importance of ensuring that residents facing obstacles in their daily lives do not encounter additional challenges due to the implementation of low traffic neighbourhoods.
That is why I’m delighted we are putting forward these progressive recommendations, which aim to strike a balance between facilitating access for those with specific needs while maintaining the objectives of the schemes in improving air quality, reducing congestion, and creating safer and more inclusive spaces for all residents.
Under discussion at the same meeting is an initial review of the impact of the Streets for People schemes based on the first few months’ data.
Despite the limited timeframe, the report shows a significant drop in traffic levels inside the trials of 55 per cent, 51 per cent and 66 per cent for the St Ann’s, Bruce Grove West Green and Bounds Green, respectively.
Following a review of feedback and the data captured so far, important changes are recommended to the Bruce Grove West Green trial such as removing the filters on Linley Road and Moorefield Road, and opening access to The Avenue in a westerly direction from Bruce Grove. Also recommended is a 7.5T HGV ban on Downhills Way/Belmont Road which should help mitigate against the increase in lorries on this corridor.
Cllr Hakata added:
It’s good news the early trends being observed are starting to show some positive results, indicating the schemes are beginning to deliver on their intended aims, but we know there are a few things we need to get right.
The schemes have been implemented on an experimental basis. Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to carefully monitor and listen to feedback from residents and businesses.
In June, the council announced it would almost treble the number of School Streets to 61, revolutionising journeys and improving air quality at the school gates for up to 36,000 children.
Next Tuesday, Cabinet will also consider a recommendation to make six School Street zones permanent following their introduction at an early stage in the phased rollout of the low traffic neighbourhood trials.
Cllr Hakata added:
From being the most dangerous time of the day for children, with the highest number of child casualties occurring during the school run, our School Streets programme is an essential tool in returning our streets to children.
Copies of the Cabinet reports can be viewed here.
