• ISLINGTON has declared a climate emergency. This is a huge step forward, but what now? Transport is a key area to address, and the council is producing a new transport strategy.

This should lead to the implementation of radical policies which will address both the climate emergency and air quality, obesity, social exclusion and road traffic danger.

The key task is to end the domination of our streets by motor vehicles whether diesel or electric. Transport policies claim to put pedestrians first but, in practice, motorists come first although over two-thirds of residents do not have a car.

We know what to do from Copenhagen and Amsterdam, but also from neighbouring boroughs. The evidence indicates three proven policies are essential and are the benchmark for judging Islington’s transport policy.

• First, decide what roads are for. It is simple. Classify roads by function into major arterial and distributor roads and residential roads.

Then design them according to that function. For main roads, that means carrying through-traffic; but more road space should be allocated to walking, cycling and buses.

For residential roads there must be an end to through-traffic; they should not be commuter rat-runs. When this is done in London and elsewhere the results for air quality, shop footfall and “active travel” are very positive.

• Secondly, introduce a network of child-friendly low-traffic neighbour­hoods. Low traffic neighbourhoods are area-wide traffic zones that cars navigating by Google Maps cannot cut through.

They can be inexpensive, and the benefits are immediate. Evidence shows within a year walking increases remarkably.

• Thirdly, set an annual target for reducing on-street parking. Parking spaces on main roads take up areas which could be used for crossings, pavement or bike lanes. Parking suppresses those modes we want to prioritise.

Transport strategy is essential to many goals the council holds dear. Progress has been made: car-free developments, the removal of post-war gyratories and school streets.

But traffic also needs to be reduced on streets where children live, and progress on this has been too slow. The council has closed few roads since leader Cllr Richard Watts took power.

The climate declaration and new transport policy can mark a trans­form­ation. Progress requires political will from the leader and all councillors, but he ­– and they – can get this right and adopt the three policies which will put people before cars and bring results which Islington holds dear.

DAVID HARRISON
Mildmay ward