​​As residents and people who work in Tower Hamlets, we welcome the Council’s efforts to deliver the Liveable Streets campaign and the commitment to reducing air pollution in the borough.

We welcome the changes being made to our streets, to encourage residents to feel confident to walk and cycle longer distances and offering alternatives to driving, diverting through traffic away from residential roads.

We know that many of those who live and work in the borough face a severe health threat from air pollution, including our most vulnerable: https://www.blf.org.uk/take-action/clean-air/map

At present, phases 3 and 4 of Liveable Streets have no funding committed. The areas selected for 3 and 4 are mainly in the south of the borough and there is a risk that if Tower Hamlets Council do not commit to completing these works, residents in Mile End, Limehouse, Poplar and the Isle of Dogs may miss out on the opportunity to have clean air and safer, more accessible streets.

The health of our families and neighbours is vital, and since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen that those exposed to high levels of air pollution were more vulnerable.

We ask that Tower Hamlets Council commit to funding phases 3 and 4 by end of 2021 to demonstrate that the health of residents in the south of the borough is as much of a priority for the Council as works in phases 1 and 2.

Thank you!
Friends of the Earth Hackney and Tower Hamlets
Better Streets for Tower Hamlets