Fined drivers to get refunds after LTNs scrapped

A south London council is to refund drivers who were fined under some Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes after they were scrapped following a high court ruling.

The six permanent schemes across Croydon were found to have been unlawfully introduced to help raise money for the the council rather than for road safety or environmental reasons.

The borough's Conservative mayor Jason Perry confirmed the council would not appeal the judgement and has abolished the schemes, adding they would "not be returning".

Labour's opposition leader criticised the mayor and warned that taxpayers could now face millions of pounds in costs to fill gaps in the council's budget.

The council said the priority was to ensure residents can easily claim back any fines they paid.

Residents whose contact details were held would be contacted and a new online claim form has been launched, the council said.

Defending the council's decision, Perry said: "Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes were introduced in Croydon in May 2020, before I was elected mayor."

He said his council had never been a "supporter" of them and "whilst I'm mayor, these LTNs will not be returning".

The High Court case that led to the quashing of the six LTNs was brought by local resident Karen Lawrence and the campaign group Open Our Roads after permanent traffic orders were issued in March 2024.

Justice Pepperall concluded earlier this month that the main purpose of the schemes was to raise revenue, which fell outside the lawful scope of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The court also examined Croydon's broader financial position, including Section 114 notices issued in 2020 over a projected £67m shortfall.

The council had projected a £10.7m surplus from the six LTN schemes between 2023 and 2027.

The six affected streets — Albert Road, Dalmally Road, Elmers Road, Holmesdale Road, Parsons Mead, and Sutherland Road — will now see all physical barriers removed and enforcement activity has also ended.

However, Croydon's Labour leader Stuart King said: "This latest financial fiasco by Perry comes on the back of a 'misstatement' of £15m in costs, the loss of a reportedly £22m asset sale, and the need for the highest ever government bailout to balance his budget."

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