Slowing down – Newham heads for more cycling and a 20 mph limit

PETER LANDMAN

Acomprehensive shift in transport policy which will see a 20 miles an hour speed limit enforced throughout Newham was agreed by council leaders at their meeting on February 16.

The council cabinet meeting agreed new plans that will bring a number of changes in local transport policy. Along with many other London boroughs, Newham will join the move towards slowing down traffic on all local streets with a plan for the phased introduction of a 20 miles an hour limit across the Borough.

Councillors also gave their backing for more resident-led local traffic management schemes as well as the introduction of 20 more healthy school street schemes which will see traffic reduction schemes being put in place around schools.

There will also be more low traffic neighbourhoods introduced, in particular more work on the Woodgrange and West Ham Park neighbourhoods.

Strengthening awareness among children and young people is also a priority with the continuation of road safety education in schools, and courses for food delivery moped drivers.

The new proposals also envisage the creation of more play streets where children can play safely.

Council leaders also pledged to continue taking action to encourage people to get onto two wheels with an extension to the Borough’s cycling network, with more cycle training and the provision of more cycle hangars. Q