Dalston market traders fear business closure over traffic changes

Hackney Council is proceeding with plans for traffic control changes in Dalston, a move that has sparked significant concern among market traders at Ridley Road. The proposed 'Liveable Neighbourhood' scheme aims to improve road safety by reducing vehicle traffic on residential streets, but vendors warn the measures could jeopardise their businesses.

The scheme, which has received almost £3 million in funding from Transport for London (TfL), includes measures such as new School Streets, a 24-hour bus gate, and pedestrian crossings. Data from the council and TfL indicates that 119 collisions involving injuries occurred within the proposed scheme's boundaries between 2020 and 2024. The council reported 99 collisions in the area in the last year alone, with 60 involving pedestrians or cyclists.

Concerns over access restrictions

A particular point of contention for traders is the proposed ban on left turns from Ridley Road onto Dalston Lane. This measure is intended to prevent the market street from being used as a shortcut between the A10 and Pembury Circus. Consultation responses showed a near even split, with 45 per cent opposing the ban and 44 per cent supporting it.

Traders argue that this restriction will disrupt their established delivery routes, forcing them onto already busy roads like Dalston Lane and Graham Road. Fruit and vegetable seller Jimmy Edwards told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that longer detours to wholesale markets could diminish their competitive edge. He also expressed concern that customers needing to pick up large orders would be unable to do so.

Other vendors echoed these worries. Abdul Turkmani, who has operated his stall since 2001, questioned the logic of measures that might increase driving distances. Abdul Alizadeh, a rug seller for 15 years, suggested that customers from outside the borough might choose to shop elsewhere due to the increased difficulty.

Fears were also raised about the consultation process itself. Some traders, including fishmonger Sikander Akram, who has traded for 30 years, criticised the reliance on online consultations, suggesting that door-to-door outreach and physical notices would better serve traders with limited digital literacy or English language proficiency.

Council response and next steps

Hackney Council stated that face-to-face engagement was a key part of their approach, and that trader feedback had already influenced the scheme's design. For instance, proposed works at St Mark’s Rise were scrapped after traders highlighted its importance for loading and unloading. The council also confirmed that pop-up stands and in-person sessions were held, alongside paper survey distribution.

Councillor Jacob Cable, Cabinet Member for Climate, Clean Air, Energy and Transport, emphasised the safety rationale behind the proposals. He stated that 99 road traffic collisions occurred in the area in the last year, with 60 involving pedestrians or cyclists, and five of those being children. He added that all roads accessing the market would remain open and accessible, and that fewer than 6 per cent of visitors arrive by car.

The council indicated that a final decision had not yet been made and that they welcomed further feedback. They also stated that they would 'actively consider tailored exemptions and access arrangements beside the market at specific times of day to support loading and operations'.