Clapton neighbourhood set for greener, safer streets

Funded by Transport for London (TfL), the changes at Chatsworth Road and neighbouring streets have been shaped by two years of conversations with local residents and businesses. This included a survey about people’s travel choices in 2023, and a consultation on proposals this year that saw more than 2,000 people share their views. 

That feedback has led to changes that will help improve journey times for buses, encourage people to walk and cycle more, and make the area more welcoming.

The final plans, which were approved following statutory consultation, include: 

• A new 7am–7pm southbound bus gate on Chatsworth Road (just south of Clifden Road), with exemptions for buses, cyclists, pedestrians, emergency service vehicles, council refuse vehicles and HAC01 permit holders, including Blue Badge and taxis carrying Taxicard holders. 
• Pedestrianising Chatsworth Road, between Dunlace Road and Blurton Road, on Sundays 6am-8pm to support the Sunday market. Access will remain for emergency service vehicles, market traders, and council refuse vehicles
• New rain gardens to provide more greenery and reduce flood risk
• New turn restrictions and one-way systems to prevent drivers who don’t need to access the area travelling through

The improvements are part of Hackney Council’s wider aims to make neighbourhoods more people-friendly, where residents can walk, wheel and shop locally, enjoy welcoming public spaces, and travel on safer, healthier streets. 

In response to feedback during the consultation, the Council will delay enforcement of the bus gate to give eligible residents time to apply for necessary permits. 

Information on the changes, including how to apply for a Blue Badge, as well as support for cycling and local businesses, has been sent to residents in the area. 

The Council will monitor the impact of the scheme for at least three years, with the first set of data published by December 2025. Monitoring will focus on the main concerns raised by residents during the consultation, including the impact on boundary main roads and side streets. 

Work is expected to begin in mid-August and take approximately four weeks. 

Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said

“We’ve worked closely with local people to design plans that will make the area safer, greener and more welcoming — creating streets that work better for everyone.

“Having listened to residents' concerns, these exciting changes will make the whole area more people-friendly, with better walking and cycling options and a fully pedestrianised Sunday market. 

“We know some residents have concerns about the impact on traffic and driving times, but based on similar schemes and our modelling for the area, we expect overall traffic levels to fall over time, including on boundary roads, making essential car journeys easier and more reliable. 

“We’ll closely monitor the scheme’s impact over the next three years, with a focus on the key concerns raised by residents and businesses, as part of our commitment to creating a better connected, thriving, liveable neighbourhood.”