Brent Council has proposed changes to reduce through traffic and promote sustainable journeys in Harlesden and Stonebridge, including moving bollards and installing CCTV cameras to enforce them. The measures aim to improve road safety and encourage active travel, particularly for children on their way to school.
Proposed Changes to Healthy Neighbourhood Scheme
The Stonebridge and Harlesden Healthy Neighbourhood scheme includes relocating or updating existing modal filters on roads in the Harlesden and Kensal Green ward, as well as the Stonebridge ward. In the eastern area, the existing modal filter on Nicoll Road will be moved to the junction of Nicoll Road and Craven Park Road, with enforcement via a CCTV camera. The council claims this change will offer Nicoll Road, Connaught Road, and Greenhill Park protection from northbound cut-through traffic, improve road safety, and create better conditions for active travel.
In the western area, mainly within the Stonebridge ward, the existing modal filter design will be updated and enforced using CCTV cameras. This change is designed to protect Lawrence Avenue from cut-through traffic, improve road safety for school pupils and residents walking to and from Harlesden station, and create better conditions for active travel.
Exemptions and Consultation
Residents and blue badge holders living within the exemption zone will still be able to drive through the modal filters. The council is also looking to provide exemptions for funeral processions for St Margaret’s & St George’s United Reformed and Moravian Church. All roads will remain accessible to resident drivers, but the council warns it may take longer to reach homes.
Brent Council has launched a public consultation asking residents and businesses to share their views before August 14. The changes are based on feedback from two phases of public engagement in Spring and September 2025, along with traffic data, according to the council.
Broader Goals and Next Steps
The council added that these aims align with broader initiatives to enhance air quality, promote children's health, address the climate emergency, and create a safer environment for walking and cycling. When the consultation closes on August 14, the results will be used to decide whether the changes will be implemented.
