Street+scene+-+traffic+calming+-+Traffic+calming+&+Safer+Streets+Conference+Nov+2003

= = =**Traffic Calming and Safer Streets Throughout Haringey**=


 * November 15th 2003 Residents’ Conference - Report**


 * ORGANISATION** The event was organised by the Haringey Federation of Residents Associations, actively supported by the LBH Street Scene Dept, and by the Haringey Cycling Campaign, Haringey Friends of Parks Forum, Living Streets-Haringey, Haringey Agenda 21, and Haringey Trades Union Council.


 * ATTENDANCE** The conference was attended by about 70 residents. There were speakers and presentations from a number of local residents associations [Gardens RA, Hornsey Lane Assoc, Ladder Passage Campaign] and also the LBH Street Scene dept - Alex Constantinides (Head of Highways) and Tony Kennedy (Traffic and Road Safety Group Manager), Jenny Jones (London's Deputy Mayor and GLA Road Safety Ambassador), Chris Feltham (TfL Street Management - Head of Road Safety Engineering), Adam Coffman (Haringey Cycling Campaign) and Richard Tayler (Living Streets - Haringey).


 * THEMES DISCUSSED** Most of the discussion took place in workshops, covering a wide range of issues: traffic calming options and best practice; effective consultation, participation and 'ownership' by residents; increasing the resources available; reducing traffic and promoting walking, cycling and public transport; creating living streets. The discussions were introduced by specialist speakers from LBH Street Scene department, Transport for London, and local residents associations and campaigners.


 * CONCLUSIONS**

Participants voted unanimously at the end to seek (actual wording, agreed point by point): · **a 20mph speed limit for all roads in Haringey (unless otherwise designated)** · **greater resources to ensure effective traffic calming and safer streets in all neighbourhoods (including effective enforcement of speed limits and parking-on-pavements rules etc)** · **greater staffing of the LBH Street Scene department)** · **affordable and efficient public transport** · **living streets promoting community spirit**


 * TAKING THESE IDEAS FORWARD** It was also agreed to set up an ongoing Traffic Calming and Safer Streets Working Group - to be co-ordinated by the HFRA - to take the decisions of the conference forward. Members of the Working Group include members and reps from 17 local residents associations, and also local groups campaigning for traffic calming.

Traffic Calming and Safer Streets Throughout Haringey November 15th 2003 Conference - Report

The conference was attended by about 70 residents. There were speakers and presentations from a number of local residents associations [Gardens RA, Hornsey Lane Assoc, Ladder Passage Campaign] and also the LBH Street Scene dept - Alex Constantinides (Head of Highways) and Tony Kennedy (Traffic and Road Safety Group Manager), Jenny Jones (London's Deputy Mayor and GLA Road Safety Ambassador), Chris Feltham (TfL Street Management - Head of Road Safety Engineering), Adam Coffman (Haringey Cycling Campaign) and Richard Tayler (Living Streets - Haringey).

Most of the discussion took place in workshops, covering a wide range of issues: traffic calming options and best practice; effective consultation, participation and 'ownership' by residents; increasing the resources available; reducing traffic and promoting walking, cycling and public transport; creating living streets. The discussions were introduced by specialist speakers from LBH Street Scene department, Transport for London, and local residents associations and campaigners.



Participants voted at the end to seek: · **a 20mph speed limit for all roads in Haringey (unless otherwise designated)** · **greater resources to ensure effective traffic calming and safer streets in all neighbourhoods (including effective enforcement of speed limits and parking-on-pavements rules etc)** · **greater staffing of the LBH Street Scene department** · **affordable and efficient public transport** · **living streets promoting community spirit**

It was also agreed to set up an ongoing Traffic Calming and Safer Streets Working Group - to be co-ordinated by the HFRA - to take the decisions of the conference forward. Members of the Working Group include members and reps from 17 local residents associations, and also local groups campaigning for traffic calming.



===The event was organised by the Haringey Federation of Residents Associations, supported by the Haringey Cycling Campaign, Haringey Friends of Parks Forum, LBH Street Scene Dept, Living Streets-Haringey, Haringey Agenda 21, and Haringey Trades Union Council.===

__Report of ‘Effective Participation’ Workshop__

//Effective Consultation, Participation and Ownership by Residents - how do we achieve this in local schemes and neighbourhoods? How do we ensure good relationships between local traffic campaigners and the relevant LBH officers?//

=Networking=
 * Start up a residents’ group
 * Join the Haringey Federation of Residents’ Associations (HFRA)
 * Approach Haringey Association of Voluntary and Community Organisations (HAVCO on Internet) for advice and help
 * Approach the Scarman Trust for financial aid (contact: Carmel Cadden 0208 808 4471 cmcadden@hotmail.com)
 * Leaflet your locality; giving out a circular that expects a response can start to involve people locally
 * Circulate a petition
 * Have a street party and talk about issues informally to get people involved

=Action=
 * Use the media - focus on a particular issue such as accidents outside a school
 * Traffic issues can be (and are) related to other local issues such as conservation of the character of a place and trees in the area
 * Take photographs of “issues” e.g. pavement parking
 * Create a constitution as then official funding becomes accessible
 * Meetings can take place in members’ homes, local schools, church halls etc; be persistent - some places are available free and Scarman Trust (above) can help with funding for a meeting place

=Good local relationships=
 * Take account of local opposition e.g. car drivers, traders
 * Be careful that your local scheme does not displace traffic problems to someone else’s locality
 * Involve your Ward Councillors in the local group/ discussion/plans
 * Produce statistics and local evidence to support plans
 * Be positive in approaching the local Council
 * Suggest to the Council that a scheme be tried out on a temporary basis to see the effect before expensive work is done

Persist: even just 2 or 3 hardworking people can achieve a lot in creating change
//By Pat Ayinde, Bruce Grove residents Network//


 * _**


 * __Report of workshop on living streets__**

//Living streets: how do we create friendlier, greener streets & encourage stronger community spirit?//


 * Living Streets** Living Streets is a national charity. It used to be The Pedestrians Society with a long history of campaigning including campaigns for driving licences and speed restriction. Living Streets (LS) campaigns against the ‘tyranny’ of the car and the lack of influence that people have over their local streets which cease to be welcoming public spaces. LS carries out research, works with local authorities and TfL and lobbies for policy change, for example LS wants to get all councils to have a walking policy and a walking officer.

LS has introduced a ‘street audit’ tool that can be used for analysis of local streets. This has been used in the Haringey Passage ‘on the spot’ audit of the quality of their environment. A branch of LS has now been set up in the borough and is putting a motion to Haringey Council to relate Better Haringey and Living Streets. They can offer expert advice on street design and street furniture and ‘appropriate levels’ of traffic. LS is not anti-car but advocates the ‘right’ balance and redress for pedestrians. It was observed that completely traffic free areas can be perceived as ‘threatening’. It was also noted that Home Zones can be a key to traffic calming and better streets.

Haringey Council is carrying out an audit of Green Lanes every six months.

= =
 * Working Together** The workshop then considered the importance of developing ‘community spirit’ and mobilising for safer streets. The link up of residents associations by the HFRA is important to help achieve this.

The Scarman Trust’s ‘The Cando Exchange’ website will be launched on the 11th December and will be a useful resource for networking groups.

Some residents have used direct action such as road blocking to draw attention to traffic and removing posters and signs that are stuck on to junctions.

The workshop considered the initiatives already undertaken by residents’ associations to improve the environment including: · Reclaiming derelict land for community use · Community gardens · Planting trees · Anti graffiti campaigns and removing graffiti · Street parties and festivals · Art exhibitions of local work · Working with partners to clean up and make a local railway station safer · Community and street wardens

//Report by Cathy Herman, Bowes Park CA//


 * Alternatives to car use - reducing traffic**

//Reducing traffic – how can we improve public transport, and promote walking and cycling alternatives?//


 * INTRODUCTION** Adam, from Haringey Cycling Campaign, introduced the session with some interesting statistics: 44% or journeys are less than 2 miles, i.e. walkable, 70% less than 5, i.e. can be done on a bike.

- the figures for journeys to school over the last 30 years show that numbers being driven have increased whilst the number walking/cycling or going on their own have decreased. A circular argument occurs where parents say its unsafe for children to walk on their own because of traffic, so they jump in the car and drive them!!

- what we want is more public transport, walking & cycling to give a reduction in noise and pollution.

- more cyclists would reduce the speed of cars - therefore they are mobile traffic calmers - the more there are the more there would be...

- more people walking lowers crime - and then more people would feel comfortable walking so the numbers would increase ....

- we could reduce the need to travel far by building shops/schools/leisure centres etc closer to homes, e.g. super markets selling wider range, e.g. pharmacy, are taking people away from local shopping centres.

- signage and maps are not enough - we need direct routes for walkers and cyclists - Haringey appears more interested in traffic flow than pedestrian and cyclists flow - we need to get these groups higher on the agenda.

- one way streets are not helpful but there are more of them going in. Gyratory systems are not pleasant places to be in.

- there are more bus lanes, but scant enforcement of them.

- we should be consulted on public transport plans - on safety, access etc. at the moment it is difficult to take part and the outcomes are not so good.

- we need frequent, reliable, comfortable and secure public transport.

+ City Car Clubs - people share care ownership - hire a car when needed from the car club - journeys are cut by 50 - 80% where this has been done. Encourage Haringey to do it with Transport for London (TfL) or a car hire firm.
 * THERE WAS THEN FRUITFUL DISCUSSION WHICH PUT FORWARD THE FOLLOWING IDEAS:**

+ Friends of the Earth are trying to make the Heartlands development as car-free as possible.. city car clubs will help

+ mini-cabs are bad, they make two journeys for one fare (to pick up, deliver and on to next fare) - bad security - suggest 'dial a bus ' - shared taxi system - painted e.g. red so they are recognised - use bus lanes - can hail them - perhaps stop at bus stops. Dial-a-Ride is good but slow. Perhaps could be done with black cabs - presently expensive and not everywhere, but could be negotiated...

+ policing of bus lanes - e.g. in green lanes shoppers and bus lanes clash as shoppers park in them

+ bus lanes on both sides of the road - use on one side at time of day when there is congestion on that side and allow shoppers to use the other side - then swap over at another time in the day

+ vehicles parking on pavement - and no policing - makes it dangerous for pedestrians - Securicor said they had the right to do this when they were challenged.

+ ban pavement parking. Haringey Council must take more effective action - do they have the will ? - need to put pressure on Haringey and police to do the job properly - need joined up thinking/working - looking at how one decision effects other areas

+ cyclists afraid to use the roads, so use the pavements. This adds further dangers for pedestrian. One participant says she is sometimes afraid to leave her house because of these two dangers. Pavements must be for pedestrians.

+ need cycle lanes as in Camden, separated from the road and pavement by a kerb or level - other wise cars park in cycle lanes... - make roads safer for cyclists then they wont use the pavements

+ must challenge car ownership and use – some people are car mad - e.g. against trees because of leaves/bird dropping on car!!

+ where traffic calming is put in sometimes this increases the rat runs in other areas.

+ cyclists find it too dangerous on the roads to cycle to work.

+ cctv on green lanes for bus lanes ineffective as many cars aren't taxed - more effective to clamp.

+ 3 people killed by cyclists each year - thousands by cars - need to encourage bike use.

+ Haringey is funding free ‘cycle confidence training’ for adult cyclists - 0207 7582 3535

+ sometimes people must use their cars, so we cannot ignore car use entirely, e.g. where there aren't busses

+ 20mph speed limit would make life safer

+ Holland has a cycle culture. 20% of journeys are by bike. We need to change the culture around cycling especially with younger people, make it so they see cycling as a natural form of transport rather than cars being where its at [maybe they need cycle sound systems! - ed] - work on education

+ someone said they started cycling when over 60 years of age, now does it every day - feels fitter, gaining confidence - 'the more i do it the more i like it' - we should encourage people to start cycling

+ a burden is lifted when one gets rid of ones car - Haringey and TfL should put the alternative view - benefits of non car ownership

+ motor crime is major - 20 - 30% cars in Haringey aren't taxed - we should attend anti-crime meetings to have a say about tackling motor crime - there is a Lib Dem survey out at the moment in Haringey about car crime

//Report by Ruth Moulton, Coppetts RA//


 * How do we increase the amount of resources available?**

//How do we get the funds and support needed from Transport for London (TfL), LBH and other sources to ensure effective calming throughout Haringey?// //- Introduced by Chris Feltham, TfL Street Management - Head of Road Safety Engineering//

CF introduced the session by explaining the structure of the GLA, TfL and the London Road Safety Unit. **GLA** The Mayor sets the policies and the assembly must approve his annual budget. **Transport for London (TfL)**, headed by Bob Kiley, is responsible for surface transport (roads) as well as rail, taxis and river taxis. **London Road Safety Unit** **(LRSU)** is part of TfL.

LRSU has a **database** on reported accidents, which have risen in Haringey in the last year, but fallen in London as a whole. **Targets** are set, which LRSU has to work to. The targets are given are **rates** of accidents as a percentage of vehicles on the road. So, numbers of accidents can increase, but the rate can fall, if the number of vehicles has increased in the same period. There are targets for accidents involving vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists). See handout.

Someone mentioned that London is the worst in Europe for child casualties and also that there is a positive correlation between increases in income inequality and increases in numbers of road deaths. The LRSU also has an Education Team which has a teenage pedestrian campaign and Streetwise (under 5s road safety). The point was made that it was ok to educate pedestrians, but that car drivers needed to be educated too. There is also a London Safety Camera Partnership, which places speed cameras, where accidents are more frequent.

In terms of funding, CF recommended searching the TfL website for "borough partnerships". There are a number of funds available: Road Safety Challenge Fund (Dept of Transport), "Streets for People", Safer Routes to Schools, GEM (funds small local projects).

Proposed schemes are assessed by how they relate to the targets set. The targets mean that areas where there are higher accident rates per kilometre are prioritised. (Haringey is 7th in London). This might meant that more money is focused on Central London, but this is balanced out because bids more often come from outer London.

Someone mentioned that there were problems with accountability due to the conflicting/confusing remits of TfL and Haringey Council over local roads. TfL have control of red routes. It was felt that there should be more joined-up thinking between TfL and the Council.

CF gave a ballpark figure of £500 million for making the whole of London a 20mph zone. [It was commented that this was not a great deal of money considering the huge amount spent on road-building and maintenance as a whole, and the fact that this would improve the safety and quality of life of millions of people]. In 20mph zones there was a 40% drop in casualties (over what period??). However, there are problems in enforcing 20mph zones. Cameras can be set up at the beginning and end of zones, averaging out speed over the whole area, but these cannot pick-up residents who live within the area, speeding to or from home.

//Report by Jane Laporte, Woodlands Park RA//

Haringey Federation of Residents Associations c/o 42 Falmer Rd, N15 5BA Tel 8211 0916 info@haringeyresidents.org www.haringeyresidents.org

Press Release – November 17th 2003 To Haringey Newsdesk


 * Residents conference calls for traffic calming and safer streets throughout Haringey**

A highly successful, special residents’ conference organised by the Haringey Federation of Residents Associations was held on Saturday 15th November at the African Caribbean Cultural Centre in Turnpike Lane on the theme ‘Traffic calming and Safer Streets Throughout Haringey’.


 * Participants voted to seek ‘a 20mph speed limit for all roads in Haringey (unless otherwise designated); greater resources to ensure effective traffic calming and safer streets in all neighbourhoods (including effective enforcement of speed limits etc, and greater staffing of the LBH Street Scene department); affordable and efficient public transport; and living streets promoting community spirit’.**

Over 70 Haringey residents, most of them involved in local traffic calming campaigns and schemes in neighbourhoods from all corners of the borough, had come together to discuss how local communities can work together for slower traffic speeds and safer streets throughout Haringey. This was a historic event - the first such event ever held - addressing one of the most important issues affecting all residents and all neighbourhoods.


 * The conference was addressed by guest speakers Jenny Jones (London's Deputy Mayor and GLA Road Safety Ambassador), and Alex Constantinides (LBH Head of Highways Dept) who both offered their unqualified support.**

Workshop discussions were held on a wide range of issues: traffic calming options and best practice; effective consultation, participation and 'ownership' by residents; increasing the resources available; reducing traffic and promoting walking, cycling and public transport; creating living streets. The discussions were introduced by specialist speakers from LBH Street Scene department, Transport for London, and local residents associations and campaigners.

The Conference was organised by the Haringey Federation of Residents Associations, supported by LBH Street Scene Dept, Haringey Agenda 21, Haringey Cycling Campaign, Haringey Trades Union Council, Living Streets Haringey, and Haringey Friends of Parks Forum.

//“ It’s unacceptable that local residents, especially the most vulnerable like children and the elderly, are in fear of using their own streets. Safe streets are not a luxury, but essential – and action is needed now. Traffic accidents, injuries and deaths are preventable if adequate resources are made available for effective calming measures and reduced speeds in every neighbourhood. This would also help improve the local environment in general and help restore local community spirit. Why should residents accept anything less? ”// Dave Morris, Secretary of the Haringey Federation of Residents Associations _