Council confirm plans for Low Traffic Neighbourhood

The Royal Borough of Greenwich have confirmed plans for a new Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) on both sides of Greenwich Park.

Under the plans, through traffic would be blocked from using Point Hill, Hyde Vale and Crooms Hill to the west of Greenwich Park.  While to the east of the park, traffic would be stopped from passing through Maze Hill, Vanbrugh Hill, Halstow Road and Westcombe Hill.

It is understood that the use of numberplate recognition cameras would manage the scheme.

In Blackheath, traffic along St John’s Park would also be blocked.

Currently a trial scheme, it would only be in operation on weekdays, between 7-10am and 3-7pm. 

Buses, emergency vehicles, taxis and blue badge holders would be exempt.

A report produced by the council notes that 40% of households in Royal Greenwich don’t have a car and how the current levels of traffic can affect everyone’s quality of life through air and noise pollution, congestion, speeding and inconsiderate parking. West and East Greenwich both suffer from air pollution exceeding World Health Organisation guidance limits for three key transport related pollutants.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich say they want to create a transport network which "provides safe and attractive travel options for everyone, and reduces the negative impacts that traffic can create. To help achieve this, we want to make our roads and pavements more attractive for walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting, and encourage greater use of public transport. We also want to reduce traffic using residential streets, where alternative routes are available".

The council say that during the six-month period, the measures will also be reviewed based on surveys and site observation monitoring by the council. The consultation responses and council review will then be evaluated as the basis for a decision report on whether the measures should be made permanent, amended or removed.