Hackney Council has won funding to allow it to close Stoke Newington Church Street to through-traffic during the daytime, after approval by Transport for London. 

It says the move is part of the its plans to “rebuild a greener Hackney” in the aftermath of the pandemic, improve air quality, and help people to walk, cycle and support local businesses as the borough emerges from coronavirus restrictions.

It also follows engagement with residents in the Stoke Newington area in 2019, with many identifying traffic and air quality as significant issues in the area. 

As part of the plans, which are set to be introduced on 20 September, a bus gate will be installed which would operate from 7am-7pm, Monday to Sunday, and would permit buses, cyclists, pedestrians and emergency vehicles to pass through. The councils says the restriction is timed to balance the need to reduce traffic with delivery and servicing requirements of businesses on Church Street. 

The bus gate would also be the first in the borough to allow Blue Badge holders with a registered companion badge to drive through at any time, after the Council recently revised its policy following feedback from local residents with disabilities. 

A further five 24-hour traffic filters, allowing only pedestrians, cyclists, emergency and waste vehicles through, will also be introduced in the area to prevent traffic from using alternative residential routes as a shortcut. 

The council says this will be introduced on a trial basis under an experimental traffic order, with residents able to have their say online or in writing once it is introduced. 

(Picture – Hackney Council)