Residents of Mornington Grove have petitioned Tower Hamlets Council, expressing concerns about escalating disruption and safety issues on their street. The matter was raised during a Council meeting on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, where residents presented their case, citing increased traffic, speeding vehicles, littering, anti-social behaviour, parking shortages and property damage.
Justin Far Jones, a resident of Mornington Grove, highlighted the transformation of the Bow Business Triangle into a hub for what he described as ghost kitchens
since COVID-19. He explained that these kitchens operate primarily from high street locations, with opening hours typically from 11:00 to 23:00 seven days a week, leading to a high volume of e-bikes, mopeds, and HGVs. This, he argued, is causing safety issues for pedestrians crossing between Bow Road and Bow Road DLR.
Councillor Abdelmannan, a ward councillor, offered to meet with residents to visit the site and address the problems. He asked if residents would agree to work with him to set up an action plan to tackle the issues.
Councillor Peter Gould suggested the council look at planning and licensing to address issues related to the food market.
Councillor Abu Talha Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, responded to the petition, acknowledging the impact of the Bow Triangle Business Centre on the community. He outlined several steps the council has taken to mitigate these impacts, including:
- Exploring additional no-through-road signage at the junction of Mornington Grove and Eleanor Street.
- Enforcing the 20 miles per hour speed limit on all residential roads.
- Participating in the London Lorry Control Scheme, which regulates the movement of delivery vehicles at night and on weekends to minimise noise pollution.
- Deploying Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers to patrol the area and gather intelligence on recurring antisocial behaviour.
- Maintaining regular cleaning rounds and scheduled waste collections.
The petition has been referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response within 28 days.
Residents' concerns are supported by data presented in their petition, which details:
- Increased traffic volume, including bicycles, motorbikes, medium-sized vans, and large HGVs, with over 100 delivery vehicles per hour.
- Speeding vehicles posing risks to pedestrians.
- Littering from food consumption in parked vehicles.
- Anti-social behavior and public indecency.
- Parking shortages.
- Damage to pavements, parked cars, and private property from vehicles attempting U-turns.
- Concerns about increased traffic due to a nearby council-built multi-story residential building without adjacent parking.
- Reports of drug dealing activity in a particular flat on the street.
