Residents’ concerns about levels of vehicle traffic and associated air pollution in the area are amply documented and supported by a number of studies:

Air Pollution

In 2015, Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum’s Air Pollution Study found that NO2 levels substantially exceeded UK and EU objectives in many Hampstead locations.  The Forum’s second study, in 2021/22 found average NO2 levels 19% lower than in 2015, but still substantially above World Health Organisation limits in all 10 sample locations.  Further information can be found on the Forum’s website.  

School Run

Over the past 30 years Hampstead’s many private schools have contributed to a growing school run, drawing vehicles into the area from neighbouring parts of London.  The 2002 Report of School Run Scrutiny Panel and the Fitzjohn's Area School Traffic Reduction Study 2021 proposed many measures to manage, displace and/or reduce traffic close to schools.   A charity, Green School Runs has pursued a number of independent initiatives, including Ride & Stride schemes and a local Hoppa Bus (which would also assist older people).

Traffic

In 2020, Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum’s Survey on Measures to Encourage Walking and Cycling identified traffic as the main barrier, with school run traffic seen as part of a wider problem.  There was particular concern about the need for improved local bus provision to support older people and those with impaired mobility.

Two Traffic Surveys of Hampstead High Street conducted by Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum in 2019 and 2023 indicated that levels of traffic are now slightly above pre-Covid levels, with school run traffic representing a significant challenge.  On one afternoon between 3.30pm and 4.30pm the zebra crossing on Hampstead High Street at Oriel Place was used by 495 vehicles and 1,385 pedestrians, compared with equivalent levels of 467 vehicles and 1,206 pedestrians in 2019.

In response to the exceptional problems in residential streets several residents’ associations within the area are seeking urgent interventions to address traffic problems in their own residential streets.  

Needs of Older People and those with impaired mobility

Whilst no specific assessment has been performed on the needs of Hampstead’s older people and those with impaired mobility, feedback from community engagements points to the following issues, which act as barriers to modal shift towards more active forms of travel:

·  Lack of step-free access at local Underground and Overground stations.

·   Limited local bus provision and lack of local hoppa bus services

- Narrow pavements, pavement clutter, lack of convenient crossing points and places to sit.