Hackney Council has put forward plans for new traffic filters, a 24-hour bus gate, and two pedestrian crossings in Dalston, funded by nearly £3 million from Transport for London (TfL). The measures aim to stop drivers using residential roads as shortcuts, known as “rat running,” and to address “dangerous” levels of through traffic in the area.
Proposals to tackle rat running and improve safety
The scheme, which is pending statutory consultation, is designed to improve a neighbourhood the council says “suffers from heavy through traffic and unsafe road conditions.” The measures are also intended to boost air quality and make it safer to walk and cycle in the area.
Cllr Jacob Cable, Cabinet Member for Climate, Clean Air, Energy and Transport, said residential streets in Dalston had “long been affected by dangerous levels of through traffic.” He added: “We’re now moving forward with this long-awaited and much-needed scheme, which will make the area a safer, healthier and more welcoming place. This means improving conditions for walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, enhanced public spaces, as well as preparing Hackney for a changing climate.”
Details of the planned changes
The planned changes include a 24-hour bus-only lane (bus gate) between Shacklewell Road and Amhurst Road. All vehicles will be banned from entry here except emergency services, council refuse trucks, cyclists, and residents with specific permits such as Blue Badges. Cecilia Road, connecting Shacklewell with Dalston Lane, will see new restrictions designed to stop straight-through traffic.
The proposals also include new School Streets, designed to improve children’s safety and encourage walking and cycling to school. These will cover Arcola Street outside Halley House School, and Cecilia Road and Downs Park Road adjacent to Excelsior Academy.
Consultation feedback and community response
The announcement follows a public consultation round held in 2025, which was fed into by over 1,000 businesses and residents. Roughly 9 in 10 respondents lived in the borough, with half (51 per cent) residing within the scheme area. Nearly half (46 per cent) of total respondents reported their main mode of transport as a car or van. According to 2021 Census data, 30 per cent of Hackney residents own a car.
The response to the plans divided residents, mostly between those living in the area who drive cars and those who do not. For example, plans for the Shacklewell Lane bus gate were backed by nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents, driven by strong support from non-car users. The large minority (43 per cent) who opposed the measure mainly comprised car users, caregivers, disabled people, and renters.
Feedback which objected to the scheme raised concerns about delays and traffic being “funnelled” elsewhere. One commenter said this would cause more pollution as idling cars were forced to wait longer at traffic lights. A small takeaway owner who responded said existing traffic controls in the borough had already hindered the business's food deliveries in Hackney due to curtailed routes.
However, supporters of the scheme included cyclists who deemed Shacklewell Lane “extremely dangerous.” Other respondents welcomed moves to curb rat running and “road rage” on both sides of their narrow road, which “sometimes end[ed] violently in a stand-off.” The School Streets received the most support of all measures, with 57 per cent of respondents in favour.
Adjustments and next steps
Following the consultation, the council ditched original plans to make Shacklewell Road a two-way street, after residents warned it was too narrow. The updated scheme also includes further bans on vehicles turning left: from Dalston Lane into Cecilia Road, and for vehicles exiting Ridley Road onto Dalston Lane. The latter is intended to prevent Ridley Road Market becoming a shortcut between the A10 and Pembury Circus.
Council reports state that Hackney has secured an extra £350,000 in funding for public realm improvements. These could include more benches, rain gardens, trees, cycle hire, parking bays, and green spaces.
Before any changes are introduced, the council will hold a 21-day statutory consultation, which began on October 15 and will run until November 4. Residents can view the proposals on the council website and raise any further objections or comments relating to the scheme during this period.
