Lewisham mayor Damien Egan promises to “urgently” address problems caused by Lee Green low traffic neighbourhood, introduced in wake of Covid-19

By Grainne Cuffe, Local Democracy Reporter

The mayor of Lewisham has admitted the Lee Green low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) is causing problems which the council is “urgently” planning to address.

The LTN, a set of road barriers to reduce through-traffic, was brought in under Covid-19 emergency transport measures at the end of June and has received mixed feedback.

The scheme also aims to promote alternative travel such as cycling, walking and public transport, which many residents support.

However, traffic has been displaced into roads outside of the LTN, leaving locals concerned about road safety and air pollution.

In a statement last week, Mayor Damien Egan said the “vast majority of residents” he speaks to “support the principle of LTNs, support measures to make it easier to walk and cycle in the borough and support our work to improve air quality”.

But he said: “Our current scheme that was implemented in Lee Green is causing problems in neighbouring areas.

“We are very aware of this and we are working urgently to plan changes which we hope will see things improve.”

Mayor Egan said the council would speak to residents before making any changes, and reiterated that the scheme was a trial.

“If we cannot make the scheme work we won’t continue it,” he said.

“But we should take this opportunity to try and make it work because if we can get it right, the benefits will be felt by thousands of residents.”

Pictured top: Traffic in Lee Green