Lambeth low traffic neighbourhood could become permanent
A controversial low traffic zone could be made permanent despite campaigners claiming it increases air pollution.
The Ferndale low traffic neighbourhood [LTN], which stretches across Clapham, Brixton and Stockwell, was introduced by Lambeth council during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The local authority said a public consultation held earlier this year found most residents wanted to keep the traffic restrictions.
But One Lambeth, a campaign group that opposes LTNs, said the scheme wasn’t properly thought out.
Lambeth council claims the number of vehicles within the area where the traffic restrictions apply has dropped by 47 per cent.
It said traffic on roads within the LTN and surrounding it fell by 6 per cent – or 6,000 vehicles per day. But campaigners argue the measures push cars onto roads surrounding the low traffic zone – increasing pollution for those living nearby.
The Ferndale LTN would become the fifth area in the borough with restrictions on cars. The Labour-run council has already introduced four LTNs, at Oval to Stockwell, Railton between Brixton and Herne Hill, Streatham Hill and Tulse Hill.
A new e-bike rental scheme would be set-up in Pulross Road, Brixton as part of the proposals for the latest low traffic zone.
The council has promised to provide extra bike hangers in the area and introduce more drop kerbs. A crossing in Bedford Road from Ferndale Road would also be improved.
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for sustainable Lambeth and clean air, said: “The current LTNs alone will not solve traffic issues across the borough so we are looking at making further improvements in neighbourhoods and with our partners at TfL on main roads.”
Pictured top: A low traffic neighbourhood barrier (Picture: Jack Fifield/Wikimedia Commons)
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