An Officer Key Decision was made regarding the evaluation of the experimental People Friendly Streets; Area 8 'West Ham Park' scheme. The decision was approved, subject to call-in.

People Friendly Streets; Area 8 West Ham Park - Evaluation of Experimental Scheme

The Officer Key Decision report sought approval to make permanent the People Friendly Streets Area 8 'West Ham Park' scheme, which had been implemented under an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO). The scheme, previously referred to as West Ham Park LTN (Low Traffic Neighbourhood) or LTN8, was initially implemented on 18 March 2024, with amendments made on 23 May 2024. The experimental implementation and public consultation commenced on 25 November 2024.

The scheme aims to reduce through-traffic on residential streets to make them safer and more pleasant, encouraging active travel such as walking, wheeling, and cycling. It also seeks to reduce air and noise pollution, benefiting public health and quality of life, with a particular focus on creating safer environments for children, families, and vulnerable road users. This initiative aligns with the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy, which aims to reduce car dependency and increase the proportion of trips made via active, efficient, and sustainable modes to 80% by 2041.

The proposals involve the permanent implementation of a traffic management scheme in the area bounded by Romford Road to the north, Upton Lane to the east, Portway to the south, and Vicarage Lane to the west. This is achieved through the use of modal filters, which restrict motorised vehicle access on certain streets. During the experimental phase, these filters were implemented using wooden planters, clearly signed as having no motor vehicle access, and enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Pedestrian, cycle, wheelchair user, emergency vehicle, and waste collection vehicle access are maintained.

A key aspect of the scheme's evaluation was the trial of a Blue Badge exemption policy for residents with mobility needs. During the trial, 91 exemption permits were granted out of approximately 225 eligible Blue Badge holders residing in the area. Data indicated that the motor vehicle traffic incurred by these exempted vehicles did not detrimentally affect the scheme's overall success. The report recommended making this trial exemption scheme permanent.

Monitoring data collected over the trial period, detailed in Appendix F of the West Ham Park TMO OKD Report v7.pdf, showed significant reductions in motor vehicle traffic on internal streets, with a 42% decrease at 3 months, 46% at 6 months, and 46% at 12 months post-implementation. Key through-routes like Ham Park Road saw an 84% reduction in traffic. An origin-destination survey indicated a 58% decrease in through-traffic volume. Boundary roads experienced a 9% reduction in motor vehicle traffic after 12 months.

The scheme also reported positive impacts on active travel, with cycling increasing by 18% after 12 months. Pedestrian volumes increased by 36% after 12 months. Air quality monitoring indicated a reduction in NO₂ concentrations.

Extensive consultation was undertaken before and during the experimental implementation, including public perception surveys, door-knocking, workshops, online platforms (Commonplace), written correspondence, Blue Badge holder sessions, and councillor briefings. The Appendix C - Engagement Report.pdf details the feedback received, which included support for quieter streets and improved safety, alongside concerns about traffic displacement onto boundary roads, journey times, and accessibility for certain groups.

The decision maker, the Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport, approved the statutory advertisement, consultation, and making permanent of Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) to implement the low traffic neighbourhood. This included approving the overruling of objections documented in Appendix C - Engagement Report.pdf, taking note of the Statement of Reasons in Appendix E - Statement of reasons.pdf, and approving the permanent trial of the Blue Badge exemption policy. Exemptions were also solidified for emergency services, authorised borough refuse vehicles, highway and utilities maintenance, the universal postal service, Newham Passenger Transport vehicles, and authorised vehicles issued a WHP01 blue badge exemption permit.

The financial implications for making the traffic management orders permanent are estimated at £10,000, to be met by external funding from Transport for London (TfL) via the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) 25/26. Complementary and mitigating measures will be funded via the LIP in 26/27 and 27/28, at £300,000 per annum.

An Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA), detailed in Appendix D - EQIA.pdf, was conducted, assessing impacts on protected characteristics. It noted positive impacts such as reduced road danger, increased physical activity, improved air quality, and reduced noise pollution, particularly benefiting children, older residents, disabled people, and women. Negative impacts included potential increases in journey times for motor vehicles and concerns regarding accessibility for those reliant on motorised transport. Mitigations included the Blue Badge exemption scheme, accessible communication, and ongoing monitoring.