Pause in scheme to tighten grip on traffic around Greenwich Park

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

The proposed introduction of two low traffic neighbourhoods in Greenwich has been delayed, after some residents claimed the scheme would ‘quadruple’ the duration of their current commutes.

Greenwich council has paused plans to add traffic restrictions to roads surrounding Greenwich Park during rush hour after the scheme was criticised for its consultation method and effect on surrounding areas.

The scheme would consist of number plate recognition cameras being used to block through traffic in roads in East and West Greenwich between 7-10am and 3-7pm on weekdays. Vehicles such as blue badge holders, taxis, emergency vehicles and bin trucks would be excluded from the scheme.

The scheme, once approved, would run for a trial period of 18 months to allow for feedback from residents. The current proposal has been developed following several phases of engagement since October 2022.

The topic was discussed at an overview and scrutiny meeting last week after the decision was called in by Conservative councillor Matt Hartley. The councillor claimed that he felt the proposal had already been predetermined by the authority regardless of the outcome of its public consultation.

The opposition leader claimed he was not opposed to the concept of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), but noted that up to 79 per cent of responses to the consultation expressed negative or very negative feelings towards the scheme.

Cllr Hartley said at the meeting: “People have to have confidence that the decision has been reached after a consultation in which their views were not just taken in a perfunctory manner but were listened to and considered. I’m afraid this consultation fell very far short of the mark in that regard.”

Amendments since the initial proposal included hard road closures being replaced by number plate recognition cameras and limiting the scheme to rush hour periods on weekdays.

The decision was also called in by ward councillors in and surrounding the proposed areas.

Labour Councillor Averil Lekau, cabinet member for climate action, sustainability and transport, denied that the scheme’s go-ahead was ‘predetermined’.

Members of the West Charlton Residents’ Association said they did not outright disapprove of the scheme but feared it would shift traffic into their streets. And one local resident, Sarah Gared, claimed her journeys would quadruple in time and distance if the proposal was approved.

Jenny Donovan, a full-time carer to her disabled child, said: “At the school my daughter attends, many children arrive by specialist transport from in and outside of the borough. The majority of their parents were never made aware of the proposals, never mind consulted.”

Nine members of the public spoke in support of the plans at the meeting, while 15 individuals made representations against the scheme.

Pictured top: The topic was discussed at a Greenwich council meeting on July 31 (Picture: Joe Coughlan)