We are long-term residents of Green Lanes, many of us having lived here for more than 24 years. We care about this busy stretch between Clissold Park and Newington Green and want it to be safe for everyone who lives, works, walks, cycles and travels through it.

When a few of us started this petition a few years ago, we raised concerns about the condition of the road, the volume and speed of traffic, and the vibrations we could feel in our homes as vehicles passed. We were promised improvements to this stretch of Green Lanes, but they have yet to happen. The road surface still needs attention, and residents are still asking for meaningful action to make the street safer and cleaner.

Hackney Council has since proposed a raised junction table near Springdale Road. We support measures that reduce speeds and prevent accidents. But those of us living immediately beside the proposed table are concerned that it could add to the noise and vibration in homes that already shake when vehicles pass.

We repeatedly asked to discuss its effects and possible alternatives before work began. We suggested speed cameras to deter drivers who race down Green Lanes. Our emails went unanswered, apart from a few councillors who tried to get answers on our behalf but couldn't either!

When raising the pedestrian crossing work began without our concerns being addressed, two of us sat in the road to stop the machinery. It was a last resort. The works were paused, and residents have since met with Councillor Jacob Cable, who came to Green Lanes, and saw our concerns first-hand. Streetscene has now offered a site meeting, which we are asking to arrange for October.

The need to improve safety has not gone away. Residents have reported three car accidents along this stretch in the past month, to name a few. We are also speaking with residents from Springdale Road and Aden Grove who have been working with the Council on rubbish dumping, bins and street cleanliness. Together, we want this whole stretch of Green Lanes treated as a place where people live and spend time, as well as a road that carries traffic.

We are asking Hackney and Islington Councils to:

Meet residents on site before deciding how to proceed with the proposed raised table.
Consider ways to reduce traffic speeds and improve safety, including alternatives to the raised table that take account of noise and vibration beside people’s homes.
Work with residents across Green Lanes, Springdale Road, Burma Road and Aden Grove on the wider condition and cleanliness of the area.
Keep residents informed about decisions, timescales and the reasons for them.

Please sign and share this petition to help us make this neglected stretch of Green Lanes safer and better maintained, and ensure the people who live here and in the surrounding are finally heard.