Hundreds of people have signed an online petition calling on Newham Council to accelerate implementation of a low traffic neighbourhood scheme in the Woodgrange and Capel area of Forest Gate after a small child was hit by a passing car, mum Jessica Smith explains why she started the petition
On 11 February, my three year old was crossing Balmoral Road with me when he was hit by a car trying to pass us. The car then sped away without stopping. Fortunately, he escaped with light injuries, but it was every parent’s nightmare scenario – a dangerous driver hitting a tiny child and driving off, when we were just on our way home from nursery.
Back in 2023, Newham Council proposed a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) that would have closed Balmoral and Tylney road to through traffic. If it had been in place, the incident could not have occurred.
I know we are not the only family to have been affected by dangerous driving in our local, residential area, which contains three schools. We are now calling on Newham Council to revisit their plans for the Woodgrange/Capel LTN and put in place proper traffic filters to keep our children safe on our roads.
The evidence of the benefits of LTNs is very clear. TFL data show they lead to decreases in accidents, improved air quality, reduced street crime and increased cycling levels.
This isn’t about demonising people who need to use their cars and it’s right that Newham listens to the community to get the scheme right. But they need to act swiftly, because our kids deserve to be safer on their own streets. Please sign the petition to show your support for the Woodgrange/Capel LTN scheme, and ask the Council to act.
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