Green light for Albert Road to become a permanent Low Traffic Neighbourhood

Following an extended trial, Kingston Town Neighbourhood Committee approved the recommendation to make the scheme permanent on 26 January 2022. 

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods stop motor vehicles from using well-known cut-throughs, diverting traffic back to main roads. By doing this, the intention is that traffic is dispersed more evenly throughout the area, safer spaces for cyclists and pedestrians are created and local air quality improves over time. 

Cllr Stephanie Archer, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainable Transport at Kingston Council, said: 

“Here in Kingston, we’re committed to doing our part to tackle the global climate crisis. In 2019, the council declared a climate emergency and an ambitious action plan quickly followed. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods can improve local air quality, reduce local traffic congestion and encourage people to walk or cycle, instead of jumping in the car.

 

“This scheme also benefits from connecting to our fantastic Go Cycle network through the town centre onto the nearby Cambridge Road, offering truly sustainable ways to travel around the neighbourhood. As well as this, Kingston Town Neighbourhood Committee has approved a speed limit reduction on almost all roads in Kingston town centre to 20mph, which will create safer routes for all. 

 

“I’m delighted to see this scheme made permanent and look forward to seeing it continue to deliver benefits to Kingston residents.”

The scheme will be subject to ongoing monitoring, additional traffic and air quality surveys, and an update report will be produced and brought back to the neighbourhood committee for information in 12 months time.

The Albert Road Low Traffic Neighbourhood was first introduced in September 2020, with a road closure and planters put in place. In July 2021, the Kingston Town Neighbourhood Committee agreed to extend the trial for a further 5 months, allowing for additional vehicle counts and air quality monitoring.

To read the Kingston Town Neighbourhood Committee papers, please visit our committee webpage.

For more information on Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes visit: kingston.gov.uk/lowtrafficneighbourhoods.

To find out more about the council’s sustainable transport initiatives visit: kingston.gov.uk/Sustainabletransport.