A last-ditch bid to scrap traffic restrictions near two Hampstead schools has collapsed, despite strong opposition from local residents.
Camden Council has confirmed it will proceed with its “healthy school streets” initiative, aiming to cut congestion and improve safety outside St Margaret’s School and St Luke’s Church of England School.
On Monday, 14 July, the council upheld its original decision, which was challenged by Conservative councillors through a formal “call-in” process. The scheme will see motor vehicles banned from nearby roads during school drop-off and pick-up times, Monday to Friday, throughout term time.
Critics argue the plan is out of touch with the needs of the community. Naomi Gordon, a local resident, branded the scheme “disproportionate and irrational” and claimed it would “punish people and families”.
She insisted that nearly 80% of residents were against the proposals, many of whom, she said, were unaware of the consultation, which coincided with the 2024 General Election.
“I only found out about the scheme when I saw a notice on a lamppost,” she said, adding that the layout was later altered after residents voiced concerns.
Camden’s Conservative leader, Cllr Steve Adams, who represents the affected area, expressed fears for pupils’ welfare.
“The council overlooked the fact that Frognal is different from the rest of the borough – it is hilly, has absolutely no public transport, and this is increasingly dangerous for small children.
Many pupils come from outside the ward and there are no nearby buses and this scheme could effectively prevent them from reaching their place of education,” he said.
He also cited conversations with a school governor who warned of a “serious likelihood” of negative consequences for students.
Deputy Conservative leader, Shiva Tiwari — who recently left the Labour Party — slammed the lack of consultation, particularly with St Margaret’s School itself.
“Why wasn’t St Margaret’s consulted when these plans are effectively in their name?” he asked.
Camden Council says it will monitor the scheme closely over an 18-month trial, aiming to refine the measures while collecting traffic and safety data.
Despite objections, others have welcomed the initiative. Francesca Agostini, a local parent and co-founder of an active travel charity, supported the move to reduce traffic near the schools.
“Healthy school streets have been studied, tried and tested, and they work. Pickups and drop-offs are quieter, data shows traffic volume has gone down, and many families have changed the way they drive,” she said, describing the area as a “notorious rat run”.
Council officers acknowledged the “high level of disagreement” but pointed out that several revisions had already been made. These include shortening the restricted hours and dividing the area into two separate zones to minimise disruption.
The council chamber saw tensions rise during Monday’s debate. Labour councillor Rishi Madlani dismissed the opposition’s arguments with a sarcastic quip: “It feels like it was scrawled on the back of an envelope after a Lord’s test match.”
Tiwari, clearly unimpressed, replied: “Rishi knows that because we were at the London School of Economics together, and I’m very clever.” Cllr Adams added he wasn’t sure how to respond to Madlani’s “cheeky suggestion”.
The scheme is set to go live for an 18-month trial period. Camden Council plans to observe its impact closely, assessing traffic patterns, safety improvements, and the wider community response.
The outcome of the trial will ultimately determine whether the traffic bans become permanent fixtures in the area.
