Dalston traffic plans face legal challenge from 50 households

Hackney Council's plans to introduce new traffic controls in Dalston are facing opposition from a group of over 50 households who are considering legal action. The proposed measures, which include School Streets and a 24-hour bus gate, aim to reduce traffic and collisions in the area. However, residents living on boundary roads argue these changes will push traffic onto their streets, leading to increased congestion and safety concerns.

Residents' Concerns Over Traffic Displacement

The residents, represented by the Hackney Central Neighbourhood Residents Association, fear that traffic displaced by previous restrictions in areas like Amhurst Road and London Fields will now be channelled onto their roads. Ralph De Haas, 50, who lives on a boundary road, described the situation as "the mother of all rat-runs" and expressed worries about safety, noise pollution, and the impact on children. Sophie Jobson, 43, a resident of Graham Road since 2010, stated her street has "never been this busy" and described crossing the road with a pram as "quite scary" due to the volume of traffic and drivers ignoring red lights.

Jean-Michel Massey has been monitoring traffic on Greenwood Road, claiming it was congested for an average of 47 minutes per hour during school pickup times in October. The group claims that traffic on Graham Road has risen by 48% between July 2024 and October 2025, according to data disclosed under Freedom of Information requests. The council's policy suggests displaced traffic will 'evaporate' over time as people adjust routes or transport modes. However, the council does not hold specific road safety audits or junction-specific traffic flow data for the Graham Road and Greenwood Road intersection, despite receiving 31 complaints about congestion and safety there since 2019.

Council's Rationale and Collision Data

Hackney Council stated the measures are vital for creating a "more welcoming, people-friendly" neighbourhood. The council claims the Dalston area experiences an average of 30 collisions per year between 2020 and 2024. Official reports indicate the local authority has been counting traffic in the zone and its boundary roads since 2022. The Metropolitan Police recorded three collisions in the area in 2025, two of which involved injuries, a rise from the previous average of one collision per year between 2020 and 2023. The council also noted two personal injury collisions at the junction in 2025, one involving a heavy goods vehicle and a cyclist.

Legal Challenge and Consultation Issues

A collective objection was submitted to Hackney Council before the consultation window closed on November 4. Some residents are seeking legal advice with a view to a potential judicial review, citing possible grounds under the Human Rights Act concerning the infringement of residents' right to family life and home. Residents also raised concerns about the accessibility of the council's online consultation page, with one councillor suggesting the statutory deadline should be extended if there was "no clear way to respond". A Hackney Council spokesperson stated they had met with residents and committed to releasing early monitoring results in the new year, while also seeking funding for mitigation measures.