Advocates have celebrated a High Court decision declaring it unlawful to dismantle three Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in East London, labeling it a triumph for the community.
In September 2023, Tower Hamlets Council announced its intention to eliminate the LTNs, which prompted a challenge from the organization Save Our Safer Streets (Soss). The court identified a lack of reconsultation as one of the primary reasons for its ruling.
According to Soss, “thousands of local residents will be immensely pleased and relieved.” However, Tower Hamlets Council, under the leadership of Mayor Lutfur Rahman, expressed its “disappointment,” while London’s mayor described the outcome as “positive news for Londoners.”
The purpose of LTNs is to decrease vehicle traffic in residential neighborhoods through means such as cameras, planters, or lockable bollards.
The contested LTNs are situated on Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road, and they remain operational pending the resolution of the legal dispute.
In a detailed 26-page ruling, Lord Justice Singh, Lord Justice Arnold, and Lord Justice Miles concluded that Tower Hamlets had violated its local implementation plan (LIP) obligations and neglected to consider the LIP in its actions.
Ted Maxwell from Soss remarked, “A lot has changed in the past three and a half years since the mayor first sought to eliminate the LTNs.
“An increasing number of residents in Tower Hamlets recognize the advantages of calmer streets. In a time when many of our neighbors are facing financial challenges, there are far more beneficial ways to allocate public funds than destroying community space, increasing street dangers, and jeopardizing public health.
“Our borough has the second-highest childhood obesity rates in London, one of the highest occurrences of hit-and-run incidents, and 71% of our children live in poverty.”
Last May, Lambeth Council experienced a setback in a significant High Court case regarding the establishment of an LTN in South London.
A Transport for London (TfL) representative stated, “Infrastructure that promotes walking and cycling, like LTNs, is crucial for enhancing street safety and fostering more active travel across the city.
“We are very satisfied with the court’s ruling, which brings essential clarity regarding the legal responsibilities of London boroughs in maintaining and implementing schemes financially supported by TfL as part of the mayor’s transport strategy.”
A spokesperson for Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan mentioned, “This ruling is beneficial for road safety and reducing hazards on the roads, aiding in the fight against air pollution and essential for creating healthier, more livable communities.”
Caroline Russell, a member of the Green Party in the London Assembly, praised the decision as “a fantastic victory for Bethnal Green residents,” which safeguards “safer, quieter, and less polluted streets.”
A representative for Tower Hamlets Council stated, “We are disheartened by the ruling, especially as past court decisions have favored us.
“We will review the judgment and evaluate our next steps.”
