LTNs are delaying doctors from getting to patients

Open Letter to the Mayor of Lewisham

Dear Mayor Egan Why would you allow such foolish, damaging and potentially dangerous traffic schemes to be implemented in our borough?

I have seen so many ambulances stuck in traffic, patients’ lives literally at stake, delayed getting to hospital or getting paramedic treatment on time.

Moreover, without doubt the levels of pollution have risen dramatically along the main routes that are now constant traffic jams with lorries, buses and cars idling in ever growing numbers, so much worse than before, counteracting your aims to cut toxic fumes, you have made it 10 times worse.

How can you think that this is better for Lewisham? Older people, people with disabilities and those unwell need cars to get to hospital or GP appointments and carry heavy shopping.

I personally know doctors who have been delayed getting to work to see their patients. Whatever your motivation, and I believe you had honourable intentions, it is so clear for us all to see that these new arrangements are causing chaos and exacerbating stress.

I understand the final decision rests with you and the Cabinet. Please rethink this scheme which wastes all our time and has a deleterious impact on our health, not to mention your reputation.

You claim to listen to the voices of residents, so many are against this, please show us that you have indeed heard, as so many other councils that have overturned these LTN schemes.

Dr Petula Peters, SE13