Clapton to be calmed by cushions

Upper Clapton residents are at odds over traffic calming measures recently given the go-ahead following a consultation in which a majority of people opposed the scheme.

Under the new Upper Clapton 20mph scheme, which received formal approval on 10 March, speed ‘cushions’ will be introduced on the following streets: Moresby Road, Knightland Road, Sach Road, Mount Pleasant Lane, Mount Pleasant Hill, Mundford Road, Dudlington Road, Gunton Road, Cleveleys Road, Casimir Road.

The decision to introduce these measures was taken following a consultation in late 2010 in which 57.2 per cent opposed the scheme and 42.0 per cent were in favour. The council report on the matter notes that 47 of the 257 responses to the consultation were received several days after the closing date, and that at the time of the official end of the consultation, there was a narrow majority (51.4 per cent to 47.6 per cent) in favour.

A council spokesperson said: “The council accepts that a majority of the responses received to the consultation were not in favour of the proposed scheme. However, the consultation exercise is intended to seek views and comments from the community and in itself is not a referendum on the proposal.

“The council has considered the responses and have amended the scheme both in the type and number of traffic calming features. It has subsequently decided to proceed with implementation of the 20mph zone, which is in accordance with the council’s policy.”

Cllr Simche Steinberger, who represents Springfield ward, objects to the proposals, saying the £200,000 cost is unjustified. Though the bill will be footed by Transport for London, he says it is ‘scandalous’ that the council should implement a scheme opposed by the majority consulted.