Representatives of Stamford Hill’s Jewish community say Hackney’s new traffic regulations are causing “mayhem” for a group that relies on transporting its large families by car.
Since spring 2020, Hackney Council has been closing off streets around the borough as part of a plan to reduce car use, called the Low Traffic Neighborhood (LTN) scheme. The Labour-dominated council has shut down 55 per cent of streets under the scheme.
Proponents say the policy encourages people to get out of their cars and walk and cycle - and reduces air pollution. But Councillor Simche Steinberger, one of five Jewish Conservative councillors on Hackney’s 57-seat borough council, said the Charedi way of life makes a car a necessity.
He said: “Being Jewish means having a big family. For them a car is a necessity not a luxury. Children going to different schools, you have to get them there. The father has to daven in the morning. He doesn’t have time to go around on a bike.” Cllr Steinberger added that there was no prior consultation with residents before streets were closed.
