In 2022 Hammersmith and Fulham Council began a new scheme to help improve air quality and traffic conditions on local streets. A Low Traffic Neighbourhood came into force in February 2023. It covers streets to the west of Wandsworth Bridge Road. They have now made the decision to make the LTN permanent. We want to have a closer look at this today, then if you want block management in Hammersmith and Fulham, you can rely on us.
The idea
The Labour Council chose to introduce their first LTN in July 2020. It set up a zone to the east of Wandsworth Bridge Road. The goal here was to prevent “rat-running”, a practice where non-local drivers use the residential streets to cut through to the main road. It increases the amount of traffic on them and has an impact on air quality.
It was then decided to introduce a second LTN on a trial basis. This is the one we spoke of above. Again the aim was to tackle “rat-running” and reduce vehicle numbers to cut emissions in the area.
Since the introduction, there has been a massive reduction in traffic in the LTNs. Council figures suggest it is some 15,000 vehicles across both LTNs. The most important thing is now fewer out of borough drivers are using the roads. Local residents can still use them freely. Visitors, care providers, and cabs must get an exemption to be able to enter them.
Making it permanent
The Council has now made the decision to make the LTN permanent. They said there has been a “notable drop” in emissions. As a result, it translates to better air quality. The authority does acknowledge that through traffic is only one factor at play here though. If you are considering investing and block management in Hammersmith and Fulham, the cleaner air and safer roads can be major benefits.
They also said that, although there was a negative reaction to the LTNs initially, in time residents have seen the benefits the schemes provide. This suggests that local sentiment has changed. People living on the now quieter, cleaner, safer streets are the ones who have seen the biggest benefits.
What do locals think?
However, there are still a number of issues according to locals. In fact, some claim the majority of people are in opposition to the schemes.
One of the major criticisms is that the LTNs have had a detrimental impact on the main roads. Some say traffic on Wandsworth Bridge Road in particular is now much worse. So, they expect the air quality here will be worse. Businesses are also claiming it has had an effect on their trade too.
A more important worry is women’s safety. Since the introduction of the LTNs, some cab services, including Uber, don’t enter the zones. Typically passengers must walk out of a zone to get picked up. Similarly, they must get dropped off outside the zone and then walk home. It raises concerns about safety, especially at night.
Do you want block management in Hammersmith and Fulham?
Finefair Ltd has the skills and expertise to help all kinds of clients. We can offer services for different types of residential assets, including houses, apartments, and entire blocks. A service can include guaranteed rent for financial protection and convenience.
So, if you invest in one of the quiet streets in the LTNs or any other part of the borough, speak to us. We can offer the most reliable block management in Hammersmith and Fulham, as well as other parts of London. You can get the best advice from us.
