Better Transport

Community improvements hardly ever happen when people work alone. When we work in groups we collect the necessary energy, enthusiasm, good ideas, contacts and skills that are needed to bring about real change in our neighbourhoods.

So, form a group! And once your group has a clear plan, get friends and allies to support the work your group is doing.

Form a group
Getting other people involved will build local support and make your campaign more credible to the local authority and the local media – and the involvement of a wide number of people is likely to result in a better scheme. You could create a new group or see if an existing group – such as the residents’ association or an action group – wants to spearhead this campaign. The advantage of running the campaign through an existing group is that the group already has standing in the community and with the council. (See our checklist of what makes a good group)

Find some allies
Once you have a group, one of the first things you’ll want to do is let others know you’re trying to create a Home Zone and to get their views. It is essential to involve people living in or near the zone from the very beginning. While most residents in a potential Home Zone will be supportive of the idea, you really should consult them on the major features of the Home Zone as well as the finer details.

Hold an initial public meeting or prepare a small information leaflet and see if you can find allies, whose support will come in handy later in the campaign. Be sure to work with:

• Nearby groups. A Home Zone needs to be implemented over a wide area so your campaign should include creating alliances with neighbouring residents’ associations and community groups. These groups can help later by canvassing nearby views and gathering support
• Neighbours. Can help your campaign later by signing petitions or pledging their support for the Home Zone
• Local businesses. Support from local business may help if the proposed home zone borders main roads. Can help your campaign later by putting campaign posters in shop windows and distributing leaflets
• Local schools. Can help your campaign later by involving parents in your campaign
• MPs. Even though decisions about Homes Zones are not made at a national level, your MP can still be helpful, particularly if things start to go badly – and they can help remind you you’re not alone in this. For example, the MP in Headington, Oxfordshire, has been a vocal supporter of a community group’s efforts to create a Home Zone for Stapleton Road. So make contact with your MP early on and keep him or her up to date. Can help by putting political pressure on your council. Also good at getting media coverage.

And think about how you can help these people! Are there ways you can support their community initiatives? Relationships are best when they are mutually beneficial.

Give some thoughts to your opponents, as well! Identify who might be opposed to what you are trying to do. Why are they opposed? What could you do to neutralise or counter their arguments?