A decision has been made to implement an experimental Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme in the West Ham Park area. This decision, taken by Aled Richards, Corporate Director for Environment and Sustainable Transport, aims to reduce through traffic, improve air quality, and encourage active travel.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Area 8 - West Ham Park

The Corporate Director for Environment and Sustainable Transport, Aled Richards, has approved the experimental implementation of a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) in the West Ham Park area. This decision, made on 18 March 2024, follows Cabinet approval in November 2021 for a sustainable and active travel delivery programme. The scheme, which will be implemented under an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO), aims to create a safer environment with reduced motor traffic, encouraging walking and cycling for local journeys.

The LTN Area 8 is bounded by Romford Road to the north, Upton Lane to the east, Portway to the south, and Vicarage Lane to the west. The implementation will involve the use of modal filters – such as wooden planters – to prevent through motor traffic on residential streets, while maintaining access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, emergency vehicles, and waste collection vehicles.

The decision to proceed includes the statutory advertisement, consultation, and making of the experimental traffic management order(s). It also allows for modifications to the scheme based on stakeholder feedback, subject to a subsequent non-key decision report. In the event of objections from statutory stakeholders, such as the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, or London Fire Brigade, an objection recommendation report will be submitted for consideration. The Statement of Reasons, outlining the implementation via experimental traffic orders, has also been approved. This approach allows for the gathering of data and potential adjustments during the experimental phase before any decision is made on making the changes permanent.

A trial for a disability exemption policy is also being explored, which would allow Blue Badge holders to apply for an exemption at nominated closure points. Additionally, amendments to the existing Healthy School Street at Park Primary School are proposed to extend its boundaries, affecting properties on Ham Park Road, Fairland Road, and Vicarage Road.

Concerns raised during the engagement process regarding the impact on boundary roads such as Upton Lane, Portway, and Vicarage Lane will be addressed through a feasibility study for speed mitigating and improved pedestrian access measures. Furthermore, specific roads including Wyatt Road, Chaucer Road, and Gower Road, which were identified as having elevated access traffic, have been excluded from the overarching Area 8. Bespoke interventions will be developed for these areas separately.

The scheme aligns with Newham's Corporate Plan 2022-2026, aiming to address the climate emergency, improve public health, and enhance resident safety. It supports the goal of increasing the use of public transport, cycling, and walking, and reducing road traffic accidents. The council's commitment to tackling climate change and improving air quality is a key driver for this initiative, with transport being a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The LTN scheme is expected to contribute to reducing harmful air pollution and motor traffic volumes, aligning with the borough's Air Quality Action Plan and Just Transition Plan.

Extensive public engagement has been conducted, including surveys, workshops, and pop-up events, to gather feedback from residents and businesses. The Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) highlights potential positive impacts such as reduced road danger, increased physical activity, and improved air quality. However, it also identifies potential negative impacts, including increased journey times for some motor vehicle users and potential accessibility challenges for certain groups. Mitigating measures, such as the proposed Blue Badge exemption trial and ongoing monitoring, are planned to address these concerns.

The financial implications of the scheme are estimated at £200,000, to be met by Transport for London funding. The use of experimental traffic orders is in line with Section 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, allowing for a temporary implementation period of up to 18 months before a decision on permanency is made.