‘Evidence from earlier schemes suggests that overall traffic volumes fall – let’s see it that happens in our case’

• I AM a long-term Highbury resident who welcomes the introduction of the people-friendly streets initiative.

We live on one of the residential streets that have been heavily impacted by the substantial increase in through-traffic (the London wide statistic is an increase of 72 per cent on residential streets across a 12-year period).

As residents we were not consulted as Waze, Google Maps, Uber, Deliveroo & Amazon deliveries et al directed more traffic through residential areas.

This additional traffic has diminished the neighbourhood and made active travel a much less enjoyable experience.

I think people-friendly streets has the potential to positively transform our neighbourhood as people reduce shorter car journeys and, where possible, switch to active travel.

I know this is more difficult for some but for those who can, the public health and environmental gains will be significant.

It is early days but I personally have substantially reduced the use of my car and have done a lot more walking.

I have consciously tried to do more shopping locally, supporting Highbury businesses, cutting back on food shopping trips outside the neighbourhood, and thinking twice before placing an Amazon order.

In the case of the Highbury scheme, specifically, concerns about free movement of emergency vehicles are unfounded – the majority of the scheme comprises camera-controlled “gates” rather than hard physical barriers and blue-light vehicles are not impeded.

Similarly, critical council services (including bin lorries and buses for students and young people with disability) are moving freely through the neighbourhood.

I know there are concerns about displacement of traffic on to main roads. Evidence from earlier schemes suggests that overall traffic volumes fall – let’s see it that happens in our case.

I also look forward to other helpful measures such as the expansion of ULEZ and the continued switch to electric of the bus fleet which will improve the situation on main routes.

This change has been a hard adjustment for some but I for one feel greatly encouraged about the possibilities of a better Highbury.

JOHN DIXON
Aubert Park, N5