Local residents are calling for a North London council to scrap a proposed new traffic scheme after raising serious concerns about the ‘adverse impact’ of the trial. More than 1,300 have signed a petition opposing the ‘flawed and tainted’ plan, which the organiser said is ‘generating anger and frustration amongst the community.
Earlier this year, Brent Council proposed to introduce a hyper-local traffic scheme in Queens Park, which is designed to reduce rush-hour traffic in the area. The local authority, alongside consultancy firm MP Smarter Travel (MPST), have been running a trial to determine its feasibility.
Two plans have been put forward for the council to consider. The first involves installing cameras to enforce restrictions in Tiverton Road, Chevening Road and Harvist Road. The second option would block fewer roads with enforcement cameras mounted in Tiverton Road and Chevening Road. However, campaigners have described the trial as ‘so flawed’ that it can’t provide accurate results and want the plans withdrawn.
Addressing a recent Cabinet meeting (December 9), the petition organiser, Alistair Balfour, called the consultation ‘tainted’ and is only generating ‘anger and frustration’ amongst residents. He said: “The catchment thinking was too narrow, the engagement materials too confusing, the online questionnaire was changed mid-engagement and never effectively communicated as promised.”
He added: “There was clearly no technical analysis that stands behind [this], and even councillors and residents benefiting from the schemes oppose them. […] We understand this is a highly complex issue and we do not have all the answers but it is patently clear that if this Cabinet is serious about improving the situation it needs to start from square one and go back to basics.”
The petition has been signed by 1,301 people at the time of writing, which claims that the trial has resulted in traffic being diverted ‘unhelpfully’ and ‘adversely impacting’ the broader community. It suggests that displaced traffic is ‘increasing congestion and pollution’ within the project zone, it ‘neglects vulnerable populations’ who can’t rely on walking or cycling, ‘unfairly prioritises’ certain streets, and restricted access causes ‘unnecessary harm’ to residents and businesses.
Alistair is calling on the council to accept support and co-ordination from those within the local community as they ‘understand the complex trade-offs required’. Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, Cllr Krupa Sheth, recognised the difference of opinions on how to move the scheme forward and stressed that ‘no decision’ has currently been made.
She said: “Traffic, road safety, and the promotion of sustainable travel options are long-standing issues that both residents and the council are committed to [tackling].”
She added: “Residents have consistently called for measures to reduce traffic, improve safety, and make walking and cycling easier – especially in Queen’s Park. At the same time, I fully recognise that there are differing views on how to achieve these goals effectively and fairly.
“This highlights the importance of taking a thoughtful and inclusive approach. No decisions have been made at this point. We will actively seek residents’ feedback to ensure that every voice is heard.”
MPST will now present a final set of proposals to the council, which will then be subject to a formal consultation. If the council agrees to take forward the final recommendation, it is expected that it will be implemented in the 2025/26 financial year.
Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
