Campaign threatens to take council to high court over ‘flawed’ LTN plan

A campaign group has threatened Lambeth council with legal action over a new Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN).

The West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG) issued the local authority a High Court challenge on September 23, over a new LTN in West Dulwich which came into force earlier this month.

The group has accused the council of “disregarding” public opinion after implementing the plan despite widespread disapproval.

Legal documents reveal that 67.5 per cent of consulted residents were “unhappy” or “very unhappy” with the proposal. 

Despite this, the council has pushed forward with an 18-month trial of the scheme, which aims to reduce traffic and pollution in residential areas.

Almira Mohamed, 53, of Rosendale Road, who is part of WDAG, said: “We didn’t want to go down this route – we just wanted a sensible debate with the council.

“We had one meeting and nothing came of it – we are residents and we have concerns but they are not listening.”

The Department for Transport’s guidance on LTNs states that LTNs should only be introduced “where there is strong evidence of local support”.

Therefore WDAG, made up of around 1000 residents and business owners, is seeking to overturn the LTN through legal action which argues that the council has gone against government direction.

The group raised £30,000 in just three weeks after setting up a fundraiser to support the court challenge against the council.

Ms Mohamed said: “That is people’s hard earned cash – it goes to show how much people care about this.”

The LTN is one of three projects being proposed by the council in the West Dulwich area. The other two proposals are a West Dulwich Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and a Brockwell Park to Gipsy Hill Healthy Route extension. The local authority says all three measures are needed for the council to make Lambeth healthier and safer, especially for children, the vulnerable and the elderly.

A Lambeth council spokesman said: “Lambeth has some of the country’s most polluted air, lacks outdoor space for exercise and socialising for the many people who live in flats, and dangerous roads resulting in too many people getting injured.

“The West Dulwich street improvements project supports these aims, and was created in response to business and residents’ appeals.”

But, WSAG claims that the LTN will increase traffic and pollution by pushing cars into boundary roads – such as the South Circular where more than 6,000 children attend schools and nurseries.

The group has also accused the council of “botching” the launch of the LTN by moving the start date from September 2, to 9, and then “failing” to install correct signage and infrastructure.

Ms Mohamed said: “There are a number of signs and a camera that hasn’t gone up yet – but the council are going to start fining people from today.

“It’s a lack of care for residents and our concerns.”

WDAG’s appeal is now with the High Court and the group is waiting to hear whether a hearing will go ahead.

The council spokesman said: “The trial follows community discussions about the scheme’s design and was significantly changed based on feedback.

“We have thoroughly engaged with the community throughout, and there are formal opportunities for feedback during the current trial.

“That full consultation is now live, and people are encouraged to have their say.”

Pictured top: WDAG members hold up protest posters against the West Dulwich LTN (Picture: WDAG)