The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Thursday 05 February 2026 to discuss and make a decision on the permanent implementation of the Area 8 'West Ham Park' People Friendly Streets scheme. The Cabinet approved the proposal to make the scheme permanent, following a call-in by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

West Ham Park People Friendly Streets Scheme Made Permanent

The Cabinet of Newham Council has voted to make the Area 8 'West Ham Park' People Friendly Streets scheme permanent. This decision follows a call-in by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), which had raised concerns about the timing of the scheme's implementation and the consideration given to resident opposition.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE opened the discussion by highlighting the severe public health crisis in Newham, stating, Newham stands at a lethal crossroads. Literally. Despite boasting one of the lowest rates of car ownership in London - with fewer than half of our residents owning a private vehicle - our borough suffers the most toxic air in the Capital. She emphasised that the scheme is a crucial part of the council's strategy to combat this issue and reclaim streets for safer use by residents.

The scheme, which restricts motorised through-traffic in residential areas, was initially implemented under an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) in November 2024. An Officer Key Decision to make it permanent was made in December 2025 but was subsequently called in by the OSC. The OSC's concerns centred on the timing of the decision, which they felt was too close to the May 2026 local elections, and the perceived lack of sufficient consideration for residents who opposed the scheme.

However, the Cabinet ultimately decided to endorse the permanent implementation. The report presented to the Cabinet detailed extensive monitoring data collected during the experimental trial, which indicated significant reductions in motor vehicle traffic on internal streets (46% reduction after 12 months) and a decrease in through-traffic by 58%. The data also showed an increase in cycling (18% rise) and walking (36% rise) within the area.

Arguments for making the scheme permanent included its alignment with the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy and Newham Council's own Corporate Plan, which prioritises public health, air quality, and climate emergency responses. The scheme is also supported by £3.11 million in TfL LIP funding for 2025/26.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by the OSC, the Cabinet concluded that the benefits of the scheme, particularly in improving air quality and public health, outweighed the objections. The report noted that the scheme has demonstrably delivered against its intended objectives, including improved road safety, enhanced air quality, and increased levels of walking and cycling.

The decision includes making permanent a trial for a disability exemption to the modal filters, allowing Blue Badge holders and nominated carers easier access. Exemptions are also in place for emergency services, refuse collection, highway and utilities maintenance, postal services, and Newham Council Passenger Transport vehicles.

The financial implications for making the traffic management orders permanent are estimated at £0.010m, to be met by TfL funding. Complementary and mitigating measures in the area will be funded by TfL over the next two financial years. The report also detailed the extensive consultation process undertaken, including surveys, workshops, and direct engagement with residents and stakeholders.

The Cabinet's decision to make the West Ham Park People Friendly Streets scheme permanent is final and cannot be subject to a further call-in by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.