Hampstead Transport Partnership starts survey to tackle traffic troubles
Issues of air quality and travel have long faced Hampstead - Credit: Polly Hancock
An online survey launched on Wednesday (July 21) to gather residents’ opinions on Hampstead’s longstanding traffic problems.
Hampstead Transport Partnership (HTP), a coalition of community groups, is using the poll as part of its work with the neighbourhood to improve local safety and the environment.
The partnership is looking to develop a joined-up strategy for travel, building on similar neighbourhood plans in the Hampstead Town, Redington and Frognal areas.
HTP member and Hampstead Town councillor Maria Higson said its online survey would bring together ideas on how to tackle congestion and pollution that have blighted Hampstead for years.
“We can't just have a vision from one little pocket, we need a vision over the wider area and that’s what the survey is looking to do,” Cllr Higson said.
Cllr Maria Higson (Con, Hampstead Town) - Credit: Maria Higson
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“It’s really asking people what their priorities are because it’s very easy for me to make assumptions based on the emails I've received, but really it’s about asking people what their priorities are post-Covid for transport.”
Alternative schemes to deal with NW3's traffic nightmares have previously fallen flat, including private and “hopper” bus services – but Cllr Higson said she would still “absolutely love” to see “innovative, crazy” solutions posed.
She continued: “Why do we have bad air quality? Well, the school run is an absolute nightmare, as we have a lot of school places in the Hampstead area.
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“We're also seeing a lot of construction work with quite big lorries that people are very unimpressed with.
“And really I just think there’s a general sentiment that we don't route the traffic very well, so people come, stop at schools, and then the routing is through all our pedestrian areas.”
A familiar tale - traffic in Hampstead High Street - Credit: Polly Hancock
HTP includes local groups the Redington and Frognal Neighbourhood Forum, the Heath and Hampstead Society, the Netherhall Neighbourhood Association, and the Lindfield and Langland Association.
South Hampstead High School and local councillors for Hampstead Town and Frognal and Fitzjohns wards are also on board.
The group’s chair Jessica Learmond-Criqui said: “The pandemic and cuts to Council budgets have meant that any project which can secure public funding is being progressed quickly.
“Without a neighbourhood strategy there is a risk that individual initiatives will topple over one another, damaging rather than supporting our local streets and economy.”
To complete the survey, which closes on September 10, visit https://www.hampsteadtransportpartnership.com/
Traffic in Hampstead High Street - Credit: Polly Hancock
