Quieter Neighbourhoods

A year ago more than half the children attending St Monica's school arrived by car and only just over a quarter by 'active travel' - walking, cycling, scooting or skating. Now, after the introduction of a school street and the Fox Lane low-traffic neighbourhood, the proportions are almost exactly reversed. The headteacher has now begun cycling to school and is suggesting that those parents who still drive all the way to school should think about other ways of getting there.

More than 120 medical professionals, concerned about 'the adverse impact that motor vehicles have on our patients and the broader community', have written to the Mayor of London in support of low-traffic neighbourhoods and cycle lanes.

On 26th October a GLA session included a question to the Mayor of London about the Bowes low-traffic neighbourhood scheme.

The government has rejected a petition calling for an immediate withdrawal of funding and support for low-traffic neighbourhoods, cycle lanes and school streets and has issued a strong defence of such measures. The response from the Department for Transport states that such schemes are 'a key part of the Government's efforts to reduce harmful emissions from transport, as well as to help make people healthier'

The statutory consultation for the Fox Lane low-traffic neighbourhood trial is now under way and comments can be submitted online or by post. People can comment more than once. The trial is initially due to last for six months, but if modified might be prolonged. On the other hand, it could be stopped before six months is up, as has occurred in some other boroughs. The council has made it clear that - despite claims to the contrary on social media - the emergency services have not objected, but if they do raise any issues during the trial the scheme will be suitably modified.