Agenda item

Deputation in relation to Item 9

Karen Matthews and Luke Jordan, Haringey Cycling Campaign and Clean Air Group, and Catherine Kenyon, Haringey Living Streets, addressed the Committee in relation to Item 9 – Draft Walking & Cycling Action Plan Consultation.

Ms Matthews stated that it was imperative that the Council took major steps to tackle the damaging and high levels of air pollution in the community. Ms Matthews found walking and cycling to be a more efficient mode of travel, however this was often a frightening experience caused by a high level of traffic, speeding and general lawlessness, especially in St Ann’s Road and Green Lanes. Green Lanes was the hub of the community but was taken up by around 80% parked cars and general traffic. It was felt that there was a need for fewer cars on roads and a change of mind set on the walking and cycling infrastructure, based on international best practice.

Ms Matthews referred to the smoking ban, which was introduced in 2007, which had proved to be successful and stated that there was a need for similar drastic measures to be taken to address the issues raised. There were a number of benefits to be gained, including helping to reduce the impact on the NHS and creating a better community for everyone.

Mr Jordan stated that cycling was an essential part of his life cycling and his primary form of transport. However, given his level of experience of cycling he still felt unsafe on the roads and it was often a leap of faith too far for many. He felt that all children should be able to cycle to school safely. He had numerous friends with asthma, a condition which was made worse by illegal levels of air pollution. Moving between neighbouring boroughs, he suggested that their infrastructure felt better managed and safer. Mr Jordan stressed the importance of promoting people’s health over the convenience of drivers and asked Members to take responsibility and promote the health of our youth as a priority.

Ms Kenyon gave a statement from Haringey Living Streets, in support of the Walking & Cycling Action Plan. Ms Kenyon stated that the purpose of the action plan went beyond walking and cycling and was about the future of Haringey, the recovery from the pandemic, the health and wellbeing of residents and an urgent response to the climate emergency. It was important to look at what legacy Members wanted to leave the children of Haringey and that it was not beyond the realms of possibility that every child could have a safe walking/cycling route to school.

It was noted that there had been a 20% increase in car journeys within the borough and there was a need for everyone to play a part in delivering the action plan, in order to deliver real change in the borough and bring the community together. Ms Kenyon stated that she would also like to see air quality monitoring undertaken across the borough, with this data shared, as well as looking at how to use the budget effectively. She thanked everyone that had been involved in the plan.

The Leader thanked the deputations for attending and presenting their views.

The Cabinet Member for Local Investment and Economic Growth stated that it was good to see younger people engage with the Council and that he had recently taken up cycling. The Cabinet Member referred to local businesses and was keen look at the way they could play a part in promoting this action plan and communicate that it helped Haringey as a whole and would not be a threat to their livelihood. In response, Ms Kenyon stated that evidence showed an increase in walking/cycling in an area encouraged people to shop locally and it was important that residents had safe access to local high streets to help support these local businesses. She added that it was important to look at the allocation of street space, to ensure that people could enjoy these spaces and how they could be improved.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Equalities and Leisure thanked the deputations for their contributions and stressed the importance of having community support in this matter and ensuring that their voice was heard.

Ms Kenyon thanked the Cabinet Members for their input and was keen to work with the various community groups and Members to bring this action plan forward.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Corporate Services thanked everyone for their contribution. The Cabinet Member welcomed the support from the various community groups and agreed with everything that had been said. One of the main concerns of cyclists was driver behaviour and it was important that changes were made to address this issue. The main objectives of the action plan were to make neighbourhoods safer, less polluted, and to create a cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone, as well as helping high streets to recover from the pandemic and creating more inviting places for residents. It was recognised that a number of neighbouring boroughs were ahead of the Council on this matter and the Cabinet Member stated that the Council was making great strides to catch up. Once approved, the action plan would go out for consultation and there was a need to take action urgently. The Cabinet Member added that the Council was already starting to take action, with the engagement process already started with TfL.