Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hackney Council launches public consultation on future transport plans, seeking resident input on travel initiatives after success in reducing carbon footprint.
In order to make travel around the borough safer, greener, and healthier, the council has implemented a revolutionary program of transformation during the past ten years.
Safer walking and bicycling paths, healthier travel, and cleaner air are the outcomes of ambitious initiatives to support sustainable transport.
The Hackney council is now asking everyone to voice their opinions and contribute to the development of the borough’s transportation vision for the ensuing decade.
With Hackney currently leading the way as the borough with the greatest degree of active transport—walking, bicycling, and wheeling—in London, the previous approach significantly altered how people commute.
Car trips inside the borough are declining, and traffic levels are still lower than they were prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.
With more than 50% of the borough now covered by low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), Hackney now has the largest percentage of LTNs in all of London.
Over 10,000 kids have participated in cycle training, and 50 Hackney primary schools have implemented School Streets, which are low traffic zones that provide safer pathways for kids and families.
A network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations was also established as part of the previous strategy; there are currently 1,000 EV charging stations spread around the borough, and more than 1,000 cycle hangars offer more than 6,000 bike parking spots for locals.
To help with the creation of the new draft transport strategy, the council is currently looking for input on the main transport themes for the ensuing 10 years as well as any additional remarks.
The term “transport” describes the flow of people, products, and services throughout Hackney, including via public transportation, highways, bike and pedestrian paths, and more.
It also covers important topics like accessibility, air quality, and traffic safety, all of which have an effect on the environment and public health.
By completing the online survey, anyone can express their opinions.
All survey respondents have the option to express interest in attending focus groups to have a deeper conversation about the topics.
To get input on the policies and suggestions, a consultation on the complete draft strategy will be held in the fall of 2025.
Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet member for climate, environment and transport said,
“Hackney is leading the way as one of the most sustainable areas in the UK for transport, with almost 90% of resident trips made by public transport, walking or cycling.
We’ve taken great strides to transform traffic and travel over the last ten years, and now this consultation is key to helping us shape what we want transport in Hackney to look like.”
She said that their vision is a safer, fairer, greener transport system that gets the basics right – ensuring everyone can easily reach the places they need to within a reasonable journey on foot or by sustainable transport.
They encourage everyone to tell us what matters to them and help shape the future of transport in Hackney for generations to come.
The survey will close on Monday, June 9th, after a 12-week period.
What is the background of Hackney working on sustainable transport?
Through programs that have improved walking and cycling paths, decreased reliance on cars, and improved air quality, Hackney has emerged as a leader in sustainable mobility during the last 10 years. With a strong emphasis on walking, bicycling, and wheeling, the borough has the highest level of active travel in all of London.
Hackney now has more LTNs than any other borough in London, covering more than 50% of the borough. These places encourage safer surroundings while easing transportation congestion.
In order to provide safer routes for kids and families, the borough has introduced School Streets at 50 elementary schools. This initiative is a component of larger initiatives to promote environmentally friendly travel practices and lessen traffic around schools.
To facilitate the shift to greener modes of transportation, Hackney has placed more than 1,000 EV charging stations throughout the borough.