Dial-a-Ride exempted from Lee Green low traffic neighbourhood

By Grainne Cuffe, Local Democracy Reporter

A driving service which transports people with disabilities and/or special educational needs (SEN) will be allowed to go through barriers in the Lee Green low traffic neighbourhood without being fined, according to a new temporary traffic order.

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

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

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

People with SEN children, some of whom must use a car to get around, have reported increased journey times.

The revised order, signed on September 22, seems to allow dial-a-ride drivers go through two out of four of the camera-enforced barriers in the LTN.

Dial-a-ride is a passenger service that people with disabilities and/or SEN can use to get around if they can’t use public transport.

The council declined to provide any details on the move, which some residents heard about through SEN taxi services, and whether any other groups, such as blue badge holders, will also be exempt.

The traffic order only mentions Manor Lane and Manor Park – it remains unclear whether the changes will apply to the other two camera-enforced barriers in the LTN.

‘Article 2’ of a traffic order posted in the area, signed September 22, states that “no person shall cause or permit any motor vehicle to enter or proceed in” Manor Lane and Manor Park, where camera-enforced barriers are located.

But the traffic order states: “The prohibitions imposed by article 2 of this notice shall not apply to any bus or dial-a-ride vehicle and any pedal cycle.”