Transport for London (TfL) is inviting Londoners to have their say on new plans to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle in and around Shoreditch. In collaboration with Hackney Council, the plans would see the creation of new, high-quality crossings for both cyclists and pedestrians, alongside more footway space to help people travel sustainably and cut road danger.
TfL’s latest data shows that in the three-year period up to 30 June 2024, there were 14 collisions at the junction of Great Eastern Street with Curtain Road. Tragically, this included a fatal collision involving a pedestrian in 2022. In addition, there were also six serious collisions at the junction, four involving a cyclist and two involving a pedestrian.
The proposed changes in the area include:
New toucan crossing on Curtain Road to the north of New Inn Yard making it safer for people walking and cycling
New pedestrian crossings at the junctions of Curtain Road with Scrutton Street and Holywell Lane, making it easier for people to cross the street
A new signalised pedestrian crossing on Holywell Lane at the junction with Great Eastern Street, on the western side
Widened footways in the area to increase space for people walking, as well as wider pedestrian crossings on Great Eastern Street
Motorised vehicles would no longer be able to turn left from Curtain Road into Great Eastern Street, or left from Great Eastern Street into Curtain Road, reducing the collision risk for cyclists
Advanced stop lines up to 7.5m deep to allow people cycling to get ahead of vehicles at the traffic lights
TfL is also inviting residents to give initial thoughts on improving road safety at the junction of Shoreditch High Street and Great Eastern Street. A significant number of people have been injured at the junction and TfL is designing proposals to improve safety in the area. TfL will use any feedback received to help develop a more specific set of proposals for improvements to the junction. A further consultation will be held in 2025 with more details on proposed improvements for the junction.
Will Norman, London’s Walking & Cycling Commissioner, said: ”These junctions are among the most dangerous junctions in London, with 14 collisions taking place in a three-year period to June 2024 – one that killed a pedestrian.
“The Mayor and TfL are committed to investing in work to improve safety at some of London’s most dangerous and intimidating junctions, and these proposals will make it safer and easier for Londoners to walk and cycle in the area.
“We want to hear what Londoners think of these proposals, so please do have your say before February 10th.”
