Haringey Streets for People – frequently asked questions

Learn more about Haringey Streets for People and LTNs.

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Why are we introducing the Haringey Streets for People project?

In the past decade, cars have been taking over our neighbourhood roads. With car ownership in Haringey very low at 40%, we can quickly understand that most congestion and pollution is caused by motor vehicles passing through our borough. This coincides with the rise in app technology which has directed cars through neighbourhoods when before they would have stuck to main roads. If traffic volumes continue to rise, the already serious negative impacts on noise levels, road safety and air pollution on local roads can only increase.  

We want to reclaim neighbourhood streets for pedestrians and communities. That is why we are introducing our ambitious Haringey Streets for People initiative. By implementing people-friendly measures such as low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), School Streets, walking routes and cycleways, we are once again making our neighbourhoods welcoming, liveable and inclusive spaces for all residents where it is safe and enjoyable to walk, cycle, and use buggies and wheelchairs.

When are low traffic neighbourhoods happening?

In December 2021, the Cabinet agreed to introduce LTNs in Bounds Green, Bruce Grove West Green and St Ann’s to reduce traffic, improve air quality and support residents to walk, cycle and shop locally.

The implementation of School Streets, which create a safe walk and cycle zone outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times, started in March 2022 followed by new zebra crossings and cycle storage hangars. This phased approach saw low traffic neighbourhood filters introduced in Bounds Green and St Ann’s in August 2022, with a full exemptions application process in place from the start for those eligible.  

How do low traffic neighbourhood filters work?

Low traffic neighbourhood filters – usually box planters, bollards or smart cameras – prevent non-local traffic cutting through your neighbourhood, making it safer, quieter and healthier. Low traffic neighbourhoods do not stop you from getting to and from your home by car. They are designed in close consultation with emergency services to ensure there are no delays to any properties in the area. Deliveries, ambulances and carers can all get to your home. However, it is difficult for through traffic to get from one main road to another.

Did you consult on the introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods?

We have learned from the introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods elsewhere and undertook an extensive listening exercise which included 3 rounds of engagement. This began in February 2021 with a survey to understand local issues and the improvements the community wanted introduced. Residents, schools and businesses were also given the opportunity to comment on design options at workshops in May. Starting in August, the council asked people to say what they think of the measures through a public consultation. Read more about how we consulted with the community on the introduction of LTNs.

The Cabinet gave the green light for low traffic neighbourhoods in Bounds Green, Bruce Grove West Green and St Ann’s at a meeting in December.

Will I get another opportunity to have my say?

Low traffic neighbourhoods will be introduced under experimental traffic orders to see how it works in practice before any decisions are taken on whether to amend, remove or make the trial permanent. Like any new scheme, there is likely to be a settling-in period as drivers become aware of the changes. Residents and businesses will have an opportunity to comment on how the measures work in practice. Once introduced, the statutory consultation process allows for objections to be raised formally.

What is an Experimental Traffic Order?

An Experimental Traffic Order is a legal document that allows us to put in place traffic or parking restrictions, which can only be in place for a maximum period of 18 months. During this period we must take a decision to amend, revoke or make permanent the order. Information on different categories of traffic management orders can be found here: Traffic Management Orders (TMO).

What will be the impact on boundary roads?

While the schemes become established, there may be queues on some boundary roads. But evidence from neighbouring boroughs shows the ability to reduce polluting traffic. For example, Hackney’s 4 biggest trial low traffic neighbourhoods show a small decrease in traffic on boundary roads, with a big reduction inside the scheme. Their surveys also show a shift to active travel with increases in people walking and cycling. We will be carefully monitoring traffic flow on boundary roads and on residential streets to measure any changes and help us decide whether to make the trial schemes permanent.

What will be the impact on emergency services?

We have been engaging with emergency services throughout the project and have made a number of adjustments in response. Most of our traffic filters are camera enforced so emergency services can drive straight through.

What is the impact of low traffic neighbourhoods on local businesses?

Evidence shows that people who walk and cycle to the shops tend to go more often, stay longer and visit more shops because they don’t have to think about parking or traffic. Creating people-friendly neighbourhoods will support local businesses.

What will happen to pollution levels?

Evidence from low traffic neighbourhoods in other parts of London has shown that over time, the number of households exposed to illegal levels of NO2 has been significantly reduced. We will be carefully monitoring the air quality in and around our schemes. Separately, the introduction of the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone up to the North Circular will contribute towards improvement to air quality across Haringey.

Will there be exemptions for Blue Badge holders?

Yes, meeting the needs of residents with access and disability needs was an important part of the low traffic neighbourhood design process. We have introduced exemptions for Blue Badge holders living within the LTN or on its immediate boundary, special education needs and disabilities (SEND) transport, and council services and commissioned services transporting people with a disability. Please see our exemptions page for more information.

Will there be general exemptions?

There will be no general exemptions for other residents. This is because:

  • low traffic neighbourhoods do not stop residents from getting to and from their home by car. Residents can access their home without an exemption but may have to change the route they take
  • we want to make our neighbourhoods welcoming, liveable and inclusive spaces for all residents where it is safe and enjoyable to walk, cycle, and use buggies and wheelchairs. If all private vehicles were able to travel through camera-controlled filters, we would not see the benefits in terms of improved road safety and reduced noise and air pollution
  • by improving the walkability and cyclability of neighbourhoods we will be encouraging people to switch to active travel, especially for short trips. This will reduce the number of car journeys and create safer, cleaner and quieter neighbourhoods 

Please see our exemptions page for more information on exemptions.

What happens if I drive through a camera-enforced filter? 

If you do not hold a valid exemption, then you may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN). For more details about PCN charges, please visit the Low Traffic Neighbourhood exemptions page.

Are there any other schemes that will improve walking and cycling in Haringey?

In March 2022 the Cabinet adopted a Walking and Cycling Action Plan after residents overwhelmingly backed the measures to encourage active travel and create pollution-free, people-friendly neighbourhoods during consultation on the document.

The plan describes how we will tackle the sense of vulnerability and the fear of collisions by creating a network of inclusive strategic cycling routes which link up with low traffic neighbourhoods. Inviting walking routes between shops, schools, leisure destinations and green spaces will also be created, with plans to boost the number of low traffic neighbourhoods and School Streets (safe walking and cycling zones outside schools) – key elements of the strategy.

How are the low traffic neighbourhoods funded?

The low traffic neighbourhoods have been made possible thanks to a funding allocation from Transport for London, with the aim of delivering schemes that allow people to make more active and sustainable journeys.

Contact customer services: low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs)