• THE recent launch of the Cally LN, liveable neighbourhood, consultation led me to reflect on how far we have come in our borough since 2020.

In that year Islington council’s first bold PFS, people-friendly streets, initiative in St Peter’s ward pushed back against the domination of our streets by motor traffic, by preventing motorists using our residential streets as cut-throughs.

Noisy demonstrations by a vocal minority led to headlines and social media tantrums but in
St Peter’s ward itself the newly quiet and safe streets were returned to the use of local people, with the sight of families and young children safely enjoying their public space a clear indication of the scheme’s success.

Nearly three years on and we can see how wrong were those who tried to prevent our council from making these changes.

Traffic has been reduced both on internal and boundary roads (76 and 4 per cent respectively in the case of the Highbury scheme) while cycling has increased substantially on both internal and boundary roads.

The number of private cars registered in the borough has also been reduced, showing how providing safe and welcoming streets can reduce dependence on the motor car.

Our councillors deserve our support and thanks for these positive measures which will benefit our children, the elderly and the most vulnerable among us, while most importantly also helping to fight the climate crisis and so secure the future of generations to come.

K FALLON, N1