Two arrested as town hall installs extra measures to tackle vandalism in Low Traffic Neighbourhoods
By Davina Hyde
A town hall has had to install extra measures to tackle criminal vandalism connected to the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhood Schemes.
Two people have been arrested in Lambeth last weekend, a man after allegedly spray painting signs at the Ferndale Road Low Traffic Neighbourhood, and a second man after allegedly stealing a sign between Brixton and Clapham.
CCTV evidence has been passed to the police so that further action can be taken.
The arrests follow Lambeth Council announcing on July 16 that new measures would be put in place following criminal vandalism at the Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes.
The council is increasing council patrols following the vandalism. They are installing extra CCTV, and requesting extra police visits.
Cllr Danny Adilypour, joint Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport, Environment & Clean Air, said: “We are taking a zero tolerance approach to this vandalism and any associated anti-social behaviour, including verbal abuse of staff maintaining these sites.
“We will press charges against any individual involved in these criminal acts where we have enough evidence and we will publicly name and shame anyone found guilty.
“We have been clear throughout that people are entitled to express their views over our Low Traffic Neighbourhood trials, but there is no excuse for acts of criminal vandalism.
“It puts residents at risk and this is not an effective way to engage with the council or fellow residents, so I am glad that these arrests have been made, and we will continue to monitor the borough’s five Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.”
The five Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes in place across the borough are all currently in a trial period under Experimental Traffic Orders to understand how they impact traffic flow on residential streets.
They are in place to maintain a safe street environment, support green transport options and improve air quality. Opponents to the scheme say the schemes could result in greater delays for emergency services, and bigger detours for residents.
The Council are asking anyone who have a concern about the issue to email lowtrafficneighbourhoods@lambeth.gov.uk
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