Dozens of streets in Bounds Green are set to be closed to through motor traffic next week with the launch of a trial low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN).

The Bounds Green LTN, which Haringey Council claims will create a “safer, cleaner and quieter neighbourhood”, will be introduced on Monday, August 15.

Designed to reduce the use of cars for shorter journeys and encourage walking and cycling, the LTN will be divided into three separate areas adjacent to Durnsford Road, Bounds Green Road and Wood Green High Road. These will link up with an existing LTN in Bowes Park, Enfield, creating a larger low-traffic scheme extending to the North Circular.

Ten traffic filters – eight enforcement cameras and two physical barriers – will stop vehicles cutting through residential streets, meaning through traffic will be forced to use main roads.

Exemptions will allow several groups – including disabled Blue Badge holders, emergency services and transport services for those with special educational needs and disabilities – to pass through the camera-enforced filters. Those driving through the filters without an exemption could be fined up to £130.

Residents will be allowed to access their streets by car but may have to change their usual routes, as they will not be given automatic exemptions from all of the LTN filters.

A consultation held last year on the Bounds Green scheme revealed 55% of respondents were against the plans to reduce traffic within the LTN area, and more than 60% opposed the changes proposed by the council to implement the scheme.

Their concerns included the LTN’s potential to increase traffic and pollution on main roads, lengthen journey times, reduce pedestrian safety and cause delays for the emergency services when they respond to incidents.

After the Bounds Green LTN was approved by Haringey’s cabinet in November last year, the council changed two proposed physical barriers to camera-enforced filters, following discussions with the emergency services.

Enfield Council’s neighbouring Bowes Park LTN – officially known as the Bowes Primary Area Quieter Neighbourhood – was made permanent in January this year, following an earlier trial period. Although data recorded by the council showed reductions in traffic of 17% within the LTN and 7% on boundary roads, with a 2% rise on surrounding roads, opponents claimed the data was “misleading” and that congestion and pollution increased, along with access problems for residents and the emergency services.

Haringey’s Bounds Green LTN will initially be introduced under an experimental traffic order set to run for a period of up to 18 months. After the trial period, the council will decide whether to amend the scheme, remove it, or make the LTN permanent.

Cllr Mike Hakata, deputy leader of Haringey Council and cabinet member for climate action, environment and transport, said: “These measures herald a street revival in which our residents and active travel are prioritised. Pollution, speeding, road traffic collisions and carbon emissions will be reduced, at the same time as improving the walkability and cyclability of the local area.

“Car ownership in our borough might be low but it’s a fact that most pollution and congestion is caused by motor vehicles passing through.

“We have learnt from elsewhere and have introduced a full exemptions criteria and application process before the schemes go live. We will continue to listen, as well as consider air quality and traffic data, before deciding whether to make the trial permanent.”

More information on the LTN is available at www.haringey.gov.uk/haringey-streets-people