Drivers to see more restrictions in four more roads in Lambeth

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

Drivers will face restrictions on four more roads from autumn under £450,000 traffic plans revealed by a council, which come into effect just a few weeks after ULEZ is expanded.

Motorists in Streatham will face fresh restrictions on Leigham Avenue, Culverhouse Gardens, Valley Road and Gleneldon Road under Lambeth council’s plans for the Streatham Wells Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN).

The new rules, which apply to side streets in an area bounded by Leigham Court Road, Streatham Common North and Streatham High Road, aim to reduce traffic and pollution and allow people to cycle more safely.

Unless exempt, drivers will not be able to go through new road closure points within the LTN. The area will also have cameras to enforce the restrictions.

The proposed traffic restrictions have proved divisive in the neighbourhood which has no London Underground station.

Will Hadley, 35, who lives within the proposed LTN, said the changes would likely add time onto his commute but felt it was worthwhile if the measures cut pollution and traffic down his street.

He said: “As a car driver I have to drive to work and I can’t really avoid the fact that cutting off bits of the road will affect my route.

“But if that adds three minutes on to my journey it’s not too bad because reducing pollution and traffic is a good thing. It’s a positive move overall.”

But he admitted the proposals had been “incredibly divisive”, with some residents loudly opposed to the plans.

As part of the plans, disabled blue badge holders will be able to pass freely through one of the roadblocks in the Streatham Wells LTN. But they will not have permission to pass through all traffic filters, as some residents have called on the council to allow.

A council report with details of the new LTN says that allowing blue badge holders access through all filters had the “potential to undermine the legibility of the schemes and encourage greater levels of non-compliance as well as having potential safety impacts”.

Exemptions from the restrictions will also apply for buses, emergency service vehicles, dustbin lorries and taxis.

Once they come into force, the new rules will be in place for 18 months. The council will monitor pollution and traffic levels on streets within the LTN and on boundary roads during the trial.

A decision will be made on whether to make the restrictions permanent before the 18-month period is over. The trial is being bankrolled by £330,000 of the council’s own cash and £120,000 from TfL.

Labour-led Lambeth council will also consult on banning non-local heavy goods vehicles from Leigham Court Road as part of the proposals.

Streatham Wells is already part of a trial to roll out delivery lockers to reduce the number of final stage journeys by vans in the area.

Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for clean air, said: “These proposals will lead to a significant improvement in road safety, air quality, and will allow more space for people to enjoy their neighbourhoods without worrying about traffic jams and exhaust fumes.

“The proposed Streatham Wells LTN, as well as the other improvements, show we are taking bold steps to address issues like road danger, toxic air quality, and climate resilience.”

Pictured top: Will Hadley said he was in favour of the traffic restrictions even if they added minutes to his journeys (Picture: Robert Firth)