Council thwarted in bid to axe low-traffic zones

Campaigners have hailed a High Court ruling that it would be unlawful to remove three Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in east London as "a victory for local people".

Tower Hamlets Council said in September 2023 it wanted to take down the LTNs and was challenged by Save our Safer Streets (Soss). The court said a failure to reconsult was among the reasons for its decision.

Soss said that "thousands of local residents will be extremely pleased and relieved". Tower Hamlets Council, led by mayor Lutfur Rahman, said it was "disappointed" while London's mayor called it "good news for Londoners".

LTNs aim to reduce motor traffic in residential areas by using cameras, planters or lockable bollards.

The disputed LTNs are located in Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road and have all stayed in place pending the outcome of the legal challenge.

In a 26-page judgment, Lord Justice Singh, Lord Justice Arnold and Lord Justice Miles ruled that Tower Hamlets had breached its local implementation plan (LIP) duty and failed to take the LIP into account.

Ted Maxwell, of Soss, said: "Things have changed a lot in the three and a half years since the mayor first wanted to rip out the LTNs.

"More and more people across Tower Hamlets appreciate the benefits brought by the calmer streets, and at a time when so many of our fellow residents are struggling with the cost of living there are so many better ways to spend public funds than on destroying community space and making our streets more dangerous and putting people's health at risk.

"We have the second-highest rates of childhood obesity in London, one of the highest rates of hit-and-runs in London and 71% of our children live in poverty."

Last May, Lambeth Council lost in a landmark High Court decision about the implementation of an LTN in south London.

A TfL spokesperson said: "Walking and cycling infrastructure, such as LTNs, plays an important role in making our streets safer and encouraging more active travel across London.

"We are very pleased with the court's decision in this case, which provides welcome clarity on the scope of London boroughs' legal duties to implement and retain schemes funded by TfL to implement the mayor's transport strategy."

A spokesperson for Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: "It's good for road safety and reducing road danger, it's good for tackling air pollution and important for delivering healthy, more liveable neighbourhoods."

Caroline Russell, Green Party member of the London Assembly, called it "a brilliant victory for Bethnal Green residents" which protects "safer, quieter and less polluted streets".

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: "We are disappointed with the ruling, not least because previously the courts have ruled in our favour.

"We will review the judgment and consider the next steps."

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