Islington Council is aiming for 70 per cent of the borough to be covered by low traffic areas.

The proposals for five new Liveable Neighbourhoods were approved at its executive meeting last night (January 12).

There are now seven low traffic schemes which cover 24pc of the borough.

The new commitment will be made possible through £9million worth of investment for the years 2022/23 through to 2024/25.

Subject to consultation, low-traffic schemes are expected to be introduced in Midmay East, Caledonian Road, Barnsbury and Laycock, Annette Road and Highbury New Park.

The council says that the Liveable Neighbourhoods combine traffic calming measures and greening initiatives to improve access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Councillors also agreed to the introduction of new 'school streets' outside three secondary schools over the next financial year. The council has not yet announced which schools will be impacted. 

'School streets' are schemes where a road with a school temporarily closes during the school’s opening and closing times.

Islington has 35 school streets, accounting for 88pc of eligible primary schools in the borough.

The authority said that the proposals were necessary to help tackle climate change.

But the borough’s low-traffic schemes have proved controversial with some residents.

In November, police were called to a council consultation on a proposed Liveable Neighbourhood for Barnsbury after residents were prevented from entering the meeting due to overcrowding concerns.

Cllr Rowena Champion, executive member for environment, air quality, and transport, said: “Over the past few years, we’ve taken great strides towards creating a cleaner, greener, healthier Islington through our people-friendly streets, school streets, greening, and other improvements.       

 “However, we know that we simply cannot afford to stand still.

“We must continue to deliver environmentally-friendly streets for Islington, and our exciting vision is designed to achieve just that.

“Our ambition to create a more equal Islington is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that these changes bring to people across our borough.”  

Other areas earmarked for future Liveable Neighbourhoods include Dartmouth Park Hill, Calshot, Bunhill South and Barbican, St John’s and Tufnell Park.