Work on third ‘low traffic neighbourhood’ to begin, as Lambeth adapts to post-Covid world

By Grainne Cuffe, Local Democracy Reporter

Work on Lambeth’s third low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) is set to start this weekend.

It follows the Oval Triangle and Railton LTNs, which aim to reduce through-traffic and encourage walking and cycling.

Ferndale LTN will involve a modal filter where Sandmere Road meets Tintern Street, where planters and cameras are installed to stop drivers coming through, while Sandmere Road will be one-way and where it meets Bedford Road there will be a ban on turning right.

A modal filter will be installed where Concannon Road meets Santley Street, Tintern Street will be one-way towards Ferndale Road, where Trinity Gardens meets Acre Lane drivers will no longer be able to turn right, and a modal filter will be installed on Pulcross Road near its junction with Ferndale Road.

Ferndale is a part of the Brixton Liveable Neighbourhood scheme, which is funded by Transport for London (TfL) and “aims to realise the great potential Brixton has for walking and cycling, while improving air quality, reducing congestion, supporting local businesses and providing for the growth in jobs and homes planned for the area”.

The main aim of the proposals is to transform Atlantic Road in Brixton, as well as creating LTNs in adjacent neighbourhoods.

Announcing the news on Twitter, Councillor Claire Holland, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable transport, environment and clean air, said work would start on Saturday.

“We need transport equity in Lambeth. We need to make our roads safer for those who do not have access to a car,” she said.

LTNs in Streatham Hill and the Cornwall Road area of Waterloo are next in line.

Lambeth council was awarded the most Streetspace funding – £2.6 million – from TfL, which aims to help boroughs install emergency transport measures in the wake of Covid-19 to help people social distance, and to encourage walking and cycling.

Cllr Holland said: “We are ambitious for our borough and want to help all our residents embrace walking and cycling.

“Around 60 per cent of our residents don’t own a car, yet cars have dominated our streets for too long, making it unsafe to walk and cycle and worsening our children’s health.

“Our changes aim to redress this balance, making it safer for people to walk and cycle so that those without a car have genuine transport options, while leaving our roads clear for those that absolutely have to use them.

“As the coronavirus lockdown eases, our residents have told us they don’t want to go back to the old normal where Lambeth had some of the worst air pollution in Europe.

“We have a chance now to make a real difference. I know this is new and different, and we are determined to bring all our communities with us in this push for a cleaner and safer borough, because we will all benefit.”

Pictured top: Lambeth Town Hall