Road Safety in Hornsey

We know how important road safety is to residents in Hornsey — and nowhere has this been clearer than on Rokesly Avenue.

We were out talking to residents recently and they made their views very clear. : speeding, dangerous driving (especially at night), the tricky bend in the road, and how stressful it can feel trying to park, cross the street, or get children to school safely. The impact on the peaceful, residential feel of the area has also come up again and again in our conversations.

We completely understand these concerns and have been working hard behind the scenes to push the Council for action.

What’s happened so far?

In 2022, a Council speed survey suggested that average speeds on Rokesly Avenue were within acceptable limits for a 20mph road, and because there hadn’t been any serious injury collisions recorded at the time, no further measures were recommended.

But we didn’t stop there. We challenged the data and argued that average speeds alone don’t tell the full story, especially at night when the road is quieter. Our analysis showed a significant minority of drivers regularly speeding at dangerous levels, which isn’t acceptable.

After pushing these points with officers, we secured a new speed survey, which is taking place right now. This time, we hope officers will focus on night-time speeds — something we believe had been overlooked before.

We’ve also arranged for Council officers to visit Rokesly Avenue with us to look at pinch points and issues around the Tottenham Lane and Hillfield junctions.

We know data is important — but so is residents' lived experience. That’s why we’re asking Rokesly Avenue residents to fill in a short survey and share their thoughts with us.

You can fill it in online at www.HornseyCouncillors.co.uk/Rokesly or return the paper copy to 28 Middle Lane, Hornsey, N8 8PL. The feedback will help us build a stronger case and make sure the Council hears directly from the people who know the street best.

Road safety across Hornsey

While Rokesly Avenue has been a big focus, we’re also working hard to improve road safety across other streets in our community.

Priory Road

We’ve recently been out on Priory Road twice to meet residents and hear your concerns directly. As a result, we’ve discussed the issues with Cabinet Members and are pushing to make Priory Road a 20mph road. We’re hoping for an update very soon.

Nightingale Lane and Hornsey High Street

We’re also working on these roads too. Officers have shared that they use a “Safe Systems” approach to road safety, looking at design, speed, vehicle safety, and collision data. This helps the Council build a borough-wide priority list of the most dangerous junctions and roads, which is reviewed each year as part of their Vision Zero goal to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries by 2041.

We know there are limited funds and many roads across the borough that need attention — but we don’t think that’s a reason to stop pushing. We’ve asked officers whether our most concerning roads in Hornsey are included in the priority list for this year, and we’re awaiting their response.

Meanwhile, we’re working hard to strengthen the evidence base for these roads. We’ve just secured another speed survey on a different Hornsey road we’re very concerned about and have surveyed residents there to help make the strongest possible case for action.

We’re on it — and we’re listening

We know how important safe, calm streets are to our community. While it can sometimes feel slow, we are determined to keep pushing for measures that make our streets safer and more pleasant for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who has already shared their thoughts with us — and please do keep them coming. Together, we can make Hornsey safer and greener.

✉️ Councillor Dana Carlin, Councillor Adam Small, and Councillor Elin Weston