File: A picture of a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) bollard
(Picture: PA)A north London borough has unveiled plans to impose traffic restrictions on up to 70% of its roads to reduce pollution.
Islington Council has backed six more low-traffic schemes called Liveable Neighbourhoods, which would pedestrianise certain roads and introduce traffic restrictions.
The schemes are similar to the borough’s seven already-existing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs).
Council officials said that while the town hall had approved the plans in principle, it would be subject to “extensive engagement and consultation” before roll-out begins from April.
Areas earmarked for the new LNs include Mildmay East, Caledonian - the area between the Caledonian Road and Brewery Road - and Highbury New Park.
Alongside traffic-calming measures, the plans include more green spaces, improved cycling facilities and widened footpaths for pedestrians.
Certain exemptions will apply such as for disabled residents with a long-term health condition or TfL’s Dial-a-Ride service.
If the plans go ahead, around 70% of the borough would be covered by some form of traffic restricted neighbourhood.
According to council papers unveiling the proposals, “people friendly streets”, including schemes which reduce traffic outside schools and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods already cover 24% of the borough.
The BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service said around a dozen residents attended Thursday’s meeting discussing the plans to voice objection.
It quoted one resident, Rebekah Kelly, as saying: “People-friendly streets have created haves and have-nots, fit against disabled, rich against poor."
However, Cllr Rowena Champion, Cabinet member for the Environment, said: “We must continue to deliver environmentally-friendly streets for Islington, and our exciting vision is designed to achieve just that.
“Our ambition to create a more equal Islington is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that these changes bring to people across our borough.”
