Haringey’s LTN champion Hakata steps down

Mike Hakata, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment & Transport, has announced he is stepping away from politics. In the face of fierce opposition, Hakata pressed for Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes to be implemented in the borough - schemes in Bounds Green, St Ann’s, and Bruce Grove & West Green were made permanent in late 2024 following trials. 

Hakata has previously spoken about the abuse and threats he faced from those opposed to the schemes. 

In a statement, Hakata explained his decision to step down. “My family has carried a burden that was never theirs to carry,” he said. “That sacrifice only make sense when you have the full mandate and conditions to deliver the change you believe in. When those conditions shift, you owe it to the people who've supported you - family, residents, community groups and campaigners - to be honest about whether the equation still balances.”

The council said that Hakata was stepping down for “personal reasons”.

During his time as cabinet member, Hakata also oversaw the rolling out of School Streets in the borough. 

Hakata said: “We expanded School Streets from two to 36 schemes, covering 44 education establishments, protecting over 17,000 students. Our Low Traffic Neighbourhoods now serve 55,000 residents with 66% traffic reduction.”

Alongside this, the council’s Walking and Cycling Action Plan has developed designs for a network of high quality protected cycle lands across the borough, he said.

Hakata has been a councillor for nearly eight years and a cabinet member for nearly five years. “I’m proud of what we achieved together on climate action, active travel, and community-led environmental projects,” he said.

Cllr Ibrahim Ali has been appointed Haringey's  new Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment & Transport.