The Kennington Oval Healthy Neighbourhood trial will introduce vehicle restrictions to Kennington Oval, Clayton Street and Bowling Green Street aimed at reducing through traffic and deliver wider improvements that will encourage more people to walk, cycle, scoot, or wheel.
The trial scheme – known as Kennington Oval Reimagined – will build on the success of two existing School Streets where traffic is already restricted at pick-up and drop-off times. Street improvements such as new seating, more sustainability measures and new play space for children will be created.
The trial comes after extensive collaboration between Lambeth Council and various residents, businesses, schools, and local groups to develop designs that prioritise people over cars and other vehicle traffic.
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “The council has been working closely with the local community for several months to make sure that our designs meet their needs and work for everyone.
“We want children to feel confident exploring their local area with confidence, which is why we are reducing the amount of traffic coming through the area as well as creating new, safe spaces for our young people we can benefit their health and wellbeing.
“We believe that taking a more holistic approach to improving our streets will play a significant part in making Lambeth a fairer, more accessible and climate resilient borough for everyone.”
Residents and businesses who need to use vehicles to get around will still be able to access the Kennington Oval Healthy Neighbourhood. There will also be dispensation for Blue Badge holders, among others, who need to get through the traffic filters.
The trial will also support Lambeth Council’s ambitions to be a UNICEF UK Child Friendly borough by enabling children to move around freely and safely, while feeling welcomed in their neighbourhood.
The Kennington Oval Healthy Neighbourhood scheme includes Henry Fawcett Primary School and St Mark’s Primary School, which will benefit from new green spaces for children and young people to enjoy and explore free of traffic.
The vehicle restrictions will be enforced by Experimental Traffic Orders and the scheme will be subject to a public consultation. The impact of the trial will be closely monitored, and Lambeth Council will publish a monitoring report in due course.
Cllr Chowdhury added: “The Kennington Oval Healthy neighbourhood trial has been developed with the health and wellbeing of children at its heart. Too many young people suffer from the effects of vehicle traffic and air pollution around their homes and schools, and we want this to change.
“I am delighted with the support we have already received throughout the engagement process, and we will be asking for feedback through the trial phase.”
