The Jewish Community Council (JCC) is pleased to announce the formation of the Stamford Hill Traffic Action Plan (SHTAP), a dedicated task force established in response to the growing frustration over significant traffic delays affecting our community. Recent years have seen the introduction of various road traffic and parking restrictions by local authorities and Transport for London (TfL) as part of their green policy agenda. While these measures aim to promote environmental sustainability, they have had unintended and detrimental effects on daily life in Stamford Hill. The community’s school transportation systems, voluntary emergency services, local businesses, and residents are all grappling with unprecedented delays and disruptions. During the first SHTAP workshop held today, community leaders, school representatives, business owners, and voluntary aid workers presented evidence of these challenges to council and TfL officials. Many shared their frustration with measures such as new bus lanes, school street closures, and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), which have turned short local journeys of five minutes into half-hour ordeals.

Levi Schapiro, speaking on behalf of its members, stated:

“For the majority of families in our community, owning a car is not a luxury—it’s an essential. Given the size of our families and the traditional way of life in a busy Charedi household, cars are vital for transporting children to and from school, attending Shul, and going to work. It’s not realistic to suggest parents take seven children to school on a bike. Most cars in our area are practical, seven-seater vehicles to accommodate large families.

“While we appreciate and respect the council’s green policy initiatives, these measures cannot come at the expense of damaging the local economy, causing children to arrive at school late, and upending the daily lives of residents. The task force has been established to create a platform for dialogue with the council and TfL to find sensible solutions to this crisis.”

The traffic restrictions have had a ripple effect on the community, impacting livelihoods, essential services, and quality of life. Local businesses report diminished foot traffic, school transportation services are struggling with delays, and voluntary emergency groups are finding it harder to navigate the area efficiently during emergencies. The JCC’s task force will focus on:

• Collecting detailed feedback from businesses, schools, and residents.
• Engaging with Hackney Council and TfL to highlight community concerns.
• Proposing practical solutions that balance environmental goals with the unique needs of Stamford Hill residents.
  
  The JCC remains committed to ensuring that the voices of the members are heard and that collaborative efforts lead to workable solutions. By working together, we aim to alleviate the current traffic crisis while supporting both sustainability and the needs of our vibrant community.