New traffic measures tackling air pollution and congestion in London to launch in less than a month
Drivers have been warned they have less than a month left until a new Low Traffic Neighbourhood is introduced by Greenwich Council, potentially affecting thousands.
The trial, which launches on November 27, will last for a maximum of 18 months, with public feedback accepted during the first six months. When active, the scheme aims to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance road safety.
As part of the LTN, part-time camera-controlled restrictions will be implemented on weekdays during peak hours, limiting traffic on specific roads.
While every address will remain accessible by car, some drivers may need to use alternative routes. The scheme includes exemptions for certain vehicles and individuals, including Blue Badge holders, taxis, and private hire vehicles.
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The scheme will affect several roads in both west and east Greenwich. In east Greenwich, restrictions will be placed on Westcombe Hill, Halstow Road, Vanbrugh Hill, Maze Hill, St Johns Park, and Langton Way, while Crooms Hill, Circus Street, Royal Hill, Winforton Street, Maidenstone Hill, and Lindsell Street in west Greenwich will be impacted.
These restrictions will operate on weekdays from 7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm. However, the roads will remain fully accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users.
A Greenwich Council spokesperson said: “We’ve been working closely with the community to develop this scheme, engaging with over 9,200 households and businesses, and getting their feedback on their concerns about through traffic and poor air quality in both neighbourhoods.
“In addition to having one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in London, we also have the fourth highest number of babies being admitted to hospitals for respiratory tract infections, and this scheme is an important part of tackling these issues in west and east Greenwich.”
The spokesperson emphasised the vital importance of addressing air pollution, reducing traffic congestion, and improving road safety to protect residents’ health and wellbeing.
The council said it has shaped the trial based on community feedback, including making the restrictions part-time and offering an expanded range of exemptions.
Drivers eligible for exemptions, including Blue Badge holders and professional carers, can apply for an exemption permit online. To do so, residents must create a parking permit account on the Council’s website, provide proof of residency and meet exemption criteria. Only one vehicle registration can be listed on the permit, with a single change allowed.
At the end of the trial, the local authority stated it would decide whether to keep, remove, or change the trial scheme based on feedback from residents.
The council added: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich is committed to making the borough cleaner, greener, safer and healthier.
“We have the fourth highest number of babies being hospitalised with respiratory tract infections anywhere in London and air pollution levels in the area are higher than the World Health Organisation’s guidelines.”
But the upcoming traffic measure have been met with mixed views from residents with one person accusing the traffic problems near the Blackwall Tunnel approach as the problem.
Sharing on social media, someone stated: “When drivers do an illegal right turn or continue down Tunnel avenue and do a U-turn or do a left and U-turn into the new developments prevents any traffic from Blackwall Lane moving. This then backs up everywhere and at its worst right back to Greenwich Village and beyond.”
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But someone else shared that the problem is far from “straightforward” and the information that’s been sent is “far from clear”. “It’s no-one’s fault if they don’t understand the information which has been received and then receive a fine. Cynically, one could say that’s what the council want, the less clear, the more fines,” they explained.