What makes a neighbourhood livable?

Children safely playing in front yards and cycling to school. People of all ages and abilities at ease when walking in residential intersections. Freedom for all to travel peacefully using whatever mode of transportation they choose.

As London grows, neighbourhood livability and traffic safety are worsening – with dramatic and, too often, tragic results. Fortunately, a recent initiative in Old North shows that with determination, collaboration and creative thinking, we can create a more livable London.

In June 2025, the deterioration of livability in Old North was brought home when a driver struck a crossing guard near a school. Residents were familiar with traffic dangers – near-misses while walking to school, aggressive drivers failing to stop and screaming at other road users, and regular car collisions – but the striking of a crossing guard was a catalyst. A group of concerned residents formed Advocates for Calmer Traffic in Old North (ACTION).

Over the past year, ACTION developed a neighbourhood-led traffic safety vision for Old North, and worked with City of London officials to prepare a holistic neighbourhood transportation plan – the first of its kind in London.

In fall 2025 ACTION surveyed local residents to assess concerns and gauge support for new safety initiatives. Nearly 250 Old North neighbours responded, confirming a strong community consensus: more than 85 per cent agreed that........

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