Community feedback analysis
The analysis identified that while there is a general desire for cleaner air and safer streets among respondents, there are strong and contrasting opinions on how to achieve this.
- For some respondents, the low traffic neighbourhood has been immediately beneficial. Comments included feeling safer, having more confidence walking and cycling with the perception that roads inside the LTN are quieter and experience less pollution.
- For those that support the measures to date, there is still interest in how the physical infrastructure fits into the wider network of cycling infrastructure such as connecting routes and cycle storage.
- Others feel that they are yet to experience benefits with concerns focused on; increases in traffic on boundary roads, access issues, extended vehicle journey times and pollution associated with them.
- Concerns about increases of traffic on roads east of Clapham Road were most frequently referenced with South Lambeth Road and Clapham Road the next most referenced.
- Within the LTN, feedback has been provided on the uplift in traffic travelling along Hampson Way and Lansdowne Way, Stockwell Terrace and Palfrey Place.
- Residents would also like more access to data surrounding the project and would like more information updating them on the future of the project as they feel consultation and communication to date could be improved.
Perceived benefits
Below are some of the perceived benefits raised by the community in relation to the Low Traffic Neighbourhood. All benefits are being considered as we monitor the scheme and we look to further enhance it.
Traffic
- Reduced speeds and quantity of traffic within the LTN
- Fentiman Road has fewer cars, less noise and pollution
Safety
- A feeling of improved safety at junctions, for cyclists (Fentiman Road/Handforth Road)
- A feeling of improved safety whilst cycling along Quietway 5
- A feeling of improved safety whilst walking on the school run (Ashmole Primary)
Access
- Better access to local shops
- Better access to local schools
Health and wellbeing
- Improved quality of life
- Improved health and wellbeing
- A safer place for children and families
- Healthier and quieter – Improved nights sleep
- More active travel
Environment
- Tackles the climate crisis
- Tackle air pollution
- Tackles noise pollution
Local context and community
- An opportunity for residents to get to know neighbours
- A sense of community
- An opportunity to improve the public realm around local businesses
Concerns
Summarises general perceived concerns from respondents.
Below are some of the perceived concerns highlighted by the community in relation to the low traffic neighbourhood. All concerns are being considered as we monitor the scheme and introduce supporting measures such as enforcement, better signage and filter alterations.
Traffic
- Concerns about the potential increase in traffic on boundary roads (namely Clapham Road and South Lambeth Road) and the associated pollution this may cause for main road and housing estate residents
- Concerns about potential impact on nearby neighbourhoods (namely Prima Road, Offley Road, Handforth Road; South Island Place; Crewdson Road, Durand Gardens; Stockwell Park Road)
- Concerns about increased journey times due to banned turns
- Concerns about access to local amenities such as supermarkets
- Concerns about non-compliance
- Fear of HGV trucks increasing associated with estate development
Businesses
- Concern there may be negative impact on local businesses in terms of making deliveries and less passing trade
Access:
- Concern about potential increase in vehicle journey times, or a desire for exemptions to apply, for:
- vulnerable and disabled residents
- services and assistance to the area
- residents
- emergency service response vehicles
- local businesses
- zero emission vehicles
- taxis
Communication
- Request for more signage
- Lack of engagement/ consultation with local community
- Poor communication of data and process behind scheme
Safety
- Fear of anti-social behaviour in ‘dead’ spaces
- Fear quieter streets increase vulnerability at night
Local context and community
- Concern of socioeconomic divide in who benefits from the scheme.
Suggested improvements
This section highlights suggested improvements in and around the area raised by members of the community.
Suggestions came from respondents who support the scheme and respondents who would like to see alternatives introduced.
Scheme as a whole
- Extend scheme to other areas
- Address parking issues caused by nightclubs (before Covid-19)
- Tackle crime in the area with money generated from fines
- Introduce additional speed reduction measures (one-way streets)
- Reinstate the banned left turn at Oval station
- Have a formal consultation
- Introduce more space for safe cycling
- Increase capacity of Harleyford Road
- Improved advanced signage along South Lambeth Road
- Allow exemptions from modal filters for vehicle owners within the LTN
- Revise location of planters on the road to allow for cyclists to pass by
- Introduce timed closures
- Introduce advanced warning signs from Brixton Road routes
Location specific*
Albert Square (modal filter)
- Introduce clear no left and no right turn signs at the filter
- Improve camera enforcement
Claylands Road (modal filter)
- Install rising key-lockable bollard to stop through traffic
Dorset Road and Dorset Road/Clapham Road (modal filter)
- Improve pedestrian footfall to attract business customers
Fentiman Road (modal filter)
- Include in the cycle superhighway
- Address give-way sign at the Meadow Road junction
*No specific suggestions were made for Richborne Terrace filter.