This scheme, a redesign of seven streets in Cazenove Ward, was funded by Transport for London (TfL) over three years (2003-2006). The project was conceived and the proposal to TfL written entirely by members of CAAG. Unfortunately, the council officers charged with implementing the project never grasped the intended prioritisation of pedestrians and cyclists, so the engineering is insufficient to reduce motor vehicle speeds to the target of 10 mph. The most successful aspect of the scheme has been the artwork, organised around neighbourhood sociability and play, by local studio Campbell Works. The Windus area has been singled out by Play England as an example of best play practice. Click here for a video about it: http://www.playshaper.org.uk/what-is-play-shaper/play-shaper-video.aspx.

Some publications can be read online. All publications can be borrowed.

Windus Streets for People project, with ten months to run, now has installed two 'in-line' speed tables in Osbaldeston and three junction tables at Osbaldeston-Lynmouth, Osbaldeston-Filey and Oldhill-Filey. Work has just started on Kyverdale-Filey.

The tables are not ideal: the steering group wanted a steeper ramp gradient to bring vehicle speeds down to 10 mph. As they are built, speeds are only reduced to 20 mph, which is an improvement but not good enough. Jubilee school has complained that children run straight out over the Osbaldeston-Filey junction because it is now level with the pavement. That pedestrian priority was of course the intention, and would have been fine if the ramps were steep enough to reduce speeds to 10 mph. But as things stand the junction continues to be dangerous -- but in a different way than it was before.

Jubilee also complained about the lack of tactile (bump) paving for the visually impaired. The steering group were assured by council officers that a 6 mm drop between the kerb line and the road surface on the tables would allow the visually impaired to feel the difference with their toes. This appears now not to be the case. We have asked for tactile paving in a less aesthetically offensive colour and shape than the pink square blocks which are Hackney's standard (Westminster uses gold brick shape tactile paving)  but these have not yet been sourced by the consultants, Mouchel Parkman.

Another sourcing problem was the granite setts on the table ramps: we asked for oblong, in order to make the ramps easier for cyclists. But the contractors said they could only get square setts. Over the last four weeks the steering group has repeatedly asked the council officers to tell the contractors to tell the subcontractors to at least lay the square setts closer together so that the gaps between do not catch bicycle tyres. The message has not got through yet, so if you happen to pass by a workman laying setts, please do ask him to lay them closer.

Already at least five bollards have been repaired that were knocked over or stolen. We have asked the council about the possibility of sturdier bell-shaped bollards: no reply. One report from Osbaldeston suggests that cars have been reversing onto the in-line tables (for loading?) and this may be one cause of bollard destruction. There is certainly no reason why the space allowed on the tables should require any vehicle to squeeze past and accidentally knock over a bollard. All of the tables are designed to allow a refuse vehicle 9+ metres long and 3 metres wide to pass -- agains the request of the steering group, since these vehicles do not exist in Hackney.

The Hackney officers for the Windus project (Daivd Eaglesham and Adrian McWhinnie) maintain that the bollard destruction and the relatively high vehicle speeds result from driver resentment of the tables. They argue that as more tables are built and the landscaping improved, drivers will get used to the innovations, start seeing the area differently and slow down (sic) -- despite the fact that soon the traffic will be one way.

On the plus side, vehicle speeds have reduced at least somewhat in the treated areas, and the cordoned off building sites have proved popular with children after hours. My one experience of Osbaldeston after it was re-opened suggests that children continue to use the street -- on foot and on bicycles -- in a way that they did not before the building of the tables. The existing tables are merely functional, but the one currently under construction at Kyverdale-Filey we hope might look a little different: we are trying to get some engraved setts to go into the entry ramp and are looking to source a communal bike locker on the pavement buildout. If these ideas are successful they may be adopted by other junctions as well.

A meeting with Hackney's tree officer last week was positive and a map of possible new tree locations is currently underway. The new trees will be flowering, of upright habit and slow growth. They will be paid for out of a separate budget, not the Windus project budget.

On Sunday 12 June, the design consultants will hold a Consultion Day on their landscaping proposals, including street furniture and planting. The venue has not yet been confirmed but will be announced in a leaflet delivered next week to every household within the zone.

Works progress: the subcontractors, who work to the councillor's contractors (McNicholas) have generally been very efficient and courteous. They will continue to work on the one-table-at-a-time model in order to cause as little traffic disruption as possible. Each tables takes 3-4 weeks. My understanding at the moment is that the one-way system will only be imposed once the tables are complete. (Copies of the one-way system, since that is what seems to concern most people, are posted at Jubilee, Simon Marks, the Muslim Community Centre and the synagogue at Kyverdale-Cazenove.) Meanwhile, the speed humps for the 20 mph zone are starting to be installed, working north from Northwold Road.

• Increase community integration and inclusion
  
• Improve pedestrian priority and walking ambience
  
• Improve cycling ambience
  
• Improve safety and security for cyclists and pedestrians
  
• Reduce the incidence and severity of traffic accidents
  
• Reduce the incidence of rat-running
  
• Reduce the incidence of road rage
  
• Reduce fear of street crime

The idea is to have specialists consult with all constituencies in the neighbourhood about what they would like to see and draw up plans. Hackney engineer Paul Megeary is responsible for the project and will oversee the tender process. The Steering Group will play a role in the selection of consultants and facilitate their consultation with community groups. Unlike traditional traffic calming, the design process of an SfP is community led.

• Paving material
  
• Parking arrangements
  
• Planting
  
• Lighting
  
• Street furniture
  
• Play equipment
  
• Walls (in Windus Walk)
  
• Public noticeboard
  

• Schools programme
  
• Road awareness training
  
• School site improvements/decoration
  
• Street sign design for the SfP
  
• Cycle training programmes
  
• Travel plans for schools and institutions
  
• Driver awareness campaign
  
• Talks for school PTAs and other groups
  
• Car sticker campaign (‘I stop for pedestrians’/ ‘This car lets children cross’, etc)

Other environmental improvements (recycling initiatives, community gardening, etc)

It is essential that what is implemented reflects the wishes and values of the people who will be affected. The above lists are therefore to be seen as provisional. A key goal of the consultation process is to involve all aspects of the community effectively in the planning process

• Website
  
• Logo design for letterhead and website (Jubilee School)
  
• Poster campaign (beginning week of 12 May)
  
• Pavement painting (week of 12 May, funded by Sure Start Stamford Hill)
  
• Collect information library (funded by Hackney Community Learning Chest)

• Construction of a zebra crossing in Cazenove between Fountayne/Chardmore and Osbaldeston is scheduled for June
  
• Introduction of a 20 MPH Zone for the area is being investigated as part of the 2004/5 Borough Spending Plan

• Introduction
  
• A. Problems and proposals
  
• B. Impact
  
• C. Community Involvement
  
• D. Management
  
• E. Outline Programme
  
• F. Main Characeteristics of the Area