Will the works be noisy?
Due to the very nature of the works, some of the work carried out will cause noise. However, the team on site have been briefed to keep any unnecessary noise like shouting or the banging of loud materials to a minimum so we do not disrupt our neighbours.
What type of machinery will you be using?
Some motorised machinery like excavators will be needed during the works, this may also include generators. However, the team are following Tower Hamlets guidelines on the equipment being used and where possible will use noise reduction measures around this equipment.
What hours of the day will you be working?
Our team will be working on site Monday – Friday between the hours of 08:00 -18:00.
How can I access my home?
Full access to homes will be maintained both during and after the works, this includes access via motor vehicle. However, you may need to change your route due to the road closure.
Will I still be able to access local shops & businesses?
Yes, and we actively encourage all residents to use local shops and facilities. One of The Liveable Streets Programmes aims is to encourage more residents to use the business in their local area.
I need to take my children to school, how can I do this now?
If you choose to drive your children to school, you will need to follow the new routes that will be clearly signposted. We believe now is an excellent opportunity to change the way we use our motor vehicles and are happy to encourage more walking and cycling to schools or work.
I have deliveries to my house, how will they get through?
Deliveries will need to use the new routes to your property, the new routes will be signposted on local roads.
What about emergency vehicles?
We have worked closely with emergency services and they will continue to have access to all properties in the area.
What about bin/recycling collections, will they be disrupted?
Refuse collection will continue as normal, as will street cleaning services.
Doesn’t your work just push the problem elsewhere?
We have worked with partners in neighbouring boroughs and Transport for London to try and reduce through traffic in largely residential roads, during the Liveable Streets Programme our aim is to encourage more journeys to done by walking or cycling thus reducing the amount of vehicles on our roads.
What about social distancing rules, how can I be sure your team are following them?
The welfare of both our staff on site and residents is our number one priority, we will adhering to all the guidelines on social distancing and will continue to monitor Government advice and make any necessary adjustments.
Where can I find more information about the works?
If you have any concerns about the works, please do not hesitate to contact the Liveable Streets Team below.
Email: liveablestreet@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Call us: 0203 092 0401
What are the benefits of the programme?
How will you increase the number of people choosing to walk or cycle? How will this be achieved?
Providing safer, better-connected routes throughout the borough will enable people of all abilities and ages to walk and cycle. This will also be supported by promoting free cycle training and other relevant complementary measures.
This will be done through a variety of on-street infrastructure projects across the borough, such as changes to road layouts to give priority to walking, cycling and public transport. These projects will be supported by complementary measures to promote active travel.
What is an active travel complementary measure?
Complementary measures aim to reduce barriers to walking and cycling within the community. Barriers include lack of secure cycle storage in residential areas and public transport interchanges; safety fears about cycling; access to a bicycle; and maintenance of bicycles.
Complementary measures such as walking tours, historic walks, free cycle training, free access to Dr Bike (cycle mechanic) at council events, the installation of cycle hangars and hubs will help mitigate against these barriers. This will increase the number of users choosing sustainable modes of transport.
What areas does the programme cover?
Seventeen areas were chosen, covering approximately 60 per cent of the borough. These areas have been split into four phases of work across the next four years. The map below shows the project areas and phases.
How were the areas selected?
The rationale for selecting these areas is:
When does each phase of the programme start and finish?
Details of the overall programme, including the dates for each phase and area, can be found on the Council’s website with links to each project area.
What kind of improvements might be implemented?
Improvement projects will vary in each area but are likely to include some of the following:
How can residents and businesses be involved in the design of their local area?
Throughout the programme, there are several stages when residents and businesses can provide feedback on improvements they would like in their area. These stages are:
Where can I submit my ideas?
For each project area, you can submit your ideas and views through an online survey. We will also be holding events throughout the programme where you can come and talk to us. More information on these events will be provided online as they develop.
Will I be notified when the engagement starts in my area?
Each area-based scheme will begin with an early engagement survey. A leaflet will be delivered to each household and business within the area, giving details on how to feed into this survey.
Schemes will also be promoted through the council’s social media, website and regular newsletters. You can subscribe for newsletter updates on each area via the council’s website.
Will there be more cycle facilities as part of the Liveable Streets programme?
Yes, the programme aims to improve the cycle network around Tower Hamlets, increase connectivity in residential areas and provide facilities suitable for users of all ages and abilities.
Cycle Future Route 5
TfL is proposing to introduce a new cycle route between Hackney and Westferry. It would connect with the cycle routes between Stratford and Aldgate and Barking to Tower. Parts of this route are proposed through or alongside some Liveable Street areas, and it is expected that TfL will release further information for consultation on the route designs in the coming months.
What is a School Street?
A School Street is a scheme where traffic is moved away from the school gate to reduce the impact of vehicle emissions on children’s health and improve road safety. They may involve closing a road to traffic either permanently or at school opening and closing times, or introducing traffic management to discourage idling at the school entrance and reduce congestion.
By moving traffic away from the school gate we will deliver a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone using the street. At the same time we will maintain access for residents, businesses, pedestrians and cyclists and encourage trips to and from school to be made by sustainable modes. For details of proposed schemes, visit http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/schoolstreets.
How can my school apply for a School Street?
Twenty schools have already been prioritised for action, according to air quality statistics, Parking Action areas, the status of their school travel plans etc. In addition, other schools in the Liveable Streets project areas will be reviewed to potentially benefit from a School Street scheme. Speak to school staff regarding the individual School Travel Plan and participation in Transport for London’s STARS accreditation scheme.
Will buses be impacted by these projects?
Any works which may affect the bus routes will have to be agreed with Transport for London (TfL). Changes to any routes, bus stops or times can be found on the council and TfL website. We may implement measures to improve bus reliability and we will aim to not affect access to bus services or their reliability.
How will these projects impact emergency services?
When the council makes any changes to road layouts, the emergency services are included as statutory consultees. This means that the council must consult with them and if they raise objections about the proposals, the council must reconsider the plans.
Regular meetings will be held with the emergency services to allow them to inform us of any issues that are occurring in the new road layout. This will allow the council to mitigate against these issues promptly.
Where can I find the air quality levels for my area?
London Borough of Tower Hamlets operate four real-time air quality monitoring stations in the borough. These are located at Mile End, Victoria Park, Millwall Park and Blackwall TunnelApproach. The Blackwall Tunnel approach monitoring station is managed by TfL for the council.
They measure pollutants in real time which means that the pollution levels are constantly being measured and the results recorded. Results of real time monitoring can be found on the Air Quality England website. In addition to the real-time stations, the council monitors nitrogen dioxide emissions at 90 other locations. For more details, visit the council’s website.
Will parking and loading be affected?
In some areas we may propose to reduce or reorganise car parking to allow the installation of additional cycle parking, new public spaces and infrastructure. Where parking reductions do occur, specific facilities (loading and disabled bays) will be installed to enable loading activity and improve accessibility for disabled users, to ensure businesses can be serviced and easily reached by all customers.
Further questions
If you have any further questions about the programme, please feel free to contact us at: liveablestreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk.