Hackney Council has revealed its plans for the Dalston Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme, with aims to improve air quality, make walking safer and improve public space.  

Hackney Green Party believe that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) can play a key role in improving air quality and street safety for residents, and broadly support implementing them across the borough. 

When elected, your Dalston councillor Zoë prioritised meeting with a council cabinet member to discuss concerns about safety and congestion in the ward, pushing the council to publish a ‘Main Road’ strategy. 

Green campaigner Rachel Nkiessu-Guifo and Councillor Zoë Garbett on St Mark's Rise

We campaign for a fairer, more sustainable society. One of our core priorities is creating safer, healthier environments for all our communities, addressing the health inequalities many residents face.

After speaking with residents in Dalston who will be affected by the scheme, the following key points have been raised: 

• Congestion on Boundary Roads - Many residents worry heavy traffic on Graham Road, Dalston Lane, Kingsland Road and St Mark’s Rise will be made worse by this scheme. Further measures, including reallocating space (e.g. to cycle lanes) and mitigation (crossings, tree planting) should be including, with focus on the junction between Ridley Road and Dalston Lane being highlighted. Monitoring needs to be in place post-implementation with scope to react.   
• Cut-throughs – Some residents believe the plans do not go far enough to prevent drivers from using alternative residential streets, such as Montague Road, as cut-throughs.
• Non-resident traffic - Residents have expressed frustration at seeing long queues of vehicles, particularly at non-resident traffic entering the borough, which they don’t think LTNs reduce. 
• Disabled access and exemptions - There is a lack of clarity on how disabled blue badge holders will be affected. While the consultation states that blue badge holders will be exempt from the Shacklewell Lane bus gate, it does not confirm whether they will be exempt from other traffic management measures. This is particularly concerning given that almost 20% of Hackney residents are disabled under the Equality Act 2010, and public transport – including Dalston Kingsland Station – remains difficult to access for many. We believe the council should also consider exemptions for households with SEND children and carers. Residents would also like the council to review exemption schemes in other boroughs to see if they can help meet Hackney’s aims.
• Conversion of narrow one-way road to two-way - Residents on Shacklewell Road and Shacklewell Lane fear converting it to two-way will create hazards for drivers, delivery vehicles and pedestrians, particularly on heavier delivery days. The roads narrowness already makes parking and manoeuvring difficult. 
• Local shops and Ridley Road Market - There is a lack of information about the impact on Ridley Road market, with traders having expressed concerns that further restrictions will not allow customers to use their cars to bulk buy produce from the market. However, evidence shows similar schemes increase footfall for shops, and 95% of London’s business improvement districts agree that safe, attractive walking environments is good for business. 
• Consultation of businesses - Local businesses, schools, and community organisations on or near Shacklewell Lane report not being consulted, despite direct impact by the changes. This raises concerns about whether statutory engagement guidelines have been fully met.

Hackney Greens delivered a survey about the proposals to all homes on Graham Road in Dalston. The key concerns of those who responded can been seen below, and these areas must be prioritised for any investment into the road. 

While LTNs are a key tool, they are not the full solution to air quality and road safety. We continue to advocate for: 

• Better public transport links, accessibility (including step-free access at Dalston Kingsland station) and affordable fares.
• Dedicated cycle lanes along main roads, more cycle hire schemes, and bike park/hanger access.
• Safer pedestrian crossings.
• Strategic tree planting along major roads to help absorb pollution.

Hackney Council has secured almost £3 million from Transport for London to improve traffic and transport in Dalston, and we will closely scrutinise how this funding is spent and monitor the impact on residents' daily lives.

Principles of inclusive design are important to maximise people's ability to walk, wheel and cycle in the area; this includes features like benches for rest, bike parking and good lighting. 

Update: The Council's consultation closed on 24 August 2025. As Greens representing Dalston, Shacklewell, and Stoke Newington, we will continue to push the administration to make the design as strong as possible.

Councillor Liam Davis, Green activist Ülgen Semerci and Councillor Zoë Garbett at the council's consultation at CLR James Library