In a major setback for road safety advocates in London, the high court has ruled against a grassroots campaign group challenging the Mayor of Tower Hamlets’ decision to remove low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Bethnal Green. The judgment dealt a blow to Save Our Safer Streets (SOSS), who had raised nearly £80,000 through crowdfunding to bring the judicial review proceedings.
Mayor Welcomes Court Ruling
Mayor Lutfur Rahman expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that the council had followed proper procedures and fulfilled its democratic mandate from voters to reopen the roads. He argued that while LTNs improved air quality in their immediate vicinity, their botched implementation by the previous Labour administration had caused traffic congestion and increased pollution on main roads, negatively impacting predominantly working-class households.
Campaigners Challenge “Working-Class” Claim
However, SOSS disputed the mayor’s claim that working-class families suffered because of the traffic restrictions. Their case had garnered support from Transport for London (TfL) and local NHS trusts. Additionally, five local school headteachers penned an open letter to the mayor urging him to keep the LTNs in place.
On behalf of the thousand-plus supporters who funded this case, we at Save Our Safer Streets are extremely disappointed that the judge has not found in our favour.
Jane Harris, Save Our Safer Streets
Harris emphasized that the LTNs had been a major success story in the deprived area, virtually eliminating serious road injuries and improving air quality both inside and outside the schemes. She expressed the group’s obligation to take all possible measures to prevent the costly and unpopular removal of the LTNs, which enjoyed widespread local support.
Costly Removal and Future Implications
SOSS warned that dismantling the LTNs would be an expensive undertaking, costing millions of pounds. They argued that the move was not only unpopular but would also jeopardize the Mayor of London’s transport strategy and have detrimental effects on residents’ health and safety.
Harris noted that while the judge clarified that the case was not about the merits of removing the LTNs but rather the legality of the decision-making process, SOSS’s legal team believed there were grounds for an appeal. The group is already raising funds to challenge the court’s ruling.
Wider Implications for LTNs and Road Safety
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of LTNs and road safety initiatives in London and beyond. LTNs have become an increasingly popular tool for local authorities seeking to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and create safer, more livable neighborhoods.
However, the schemes have also faced opposition from some quarters, with critics arguing that they simply displace traffic onto surrounding roads and disproportionately impact certain communities. The Tower Hamlets case highlights the complex political and legal battles that can arise when implementing such measures.
As cities grapple with the urgent need to tackle air pollution, reduce carbon emissions, and improve road safety, the debate over LTNs and similar interventions is likely to intensify. The SOSS campaign’s determination to fight on, despite this initial setback, underscores the high stakes involved and the passion that these issues evoke among communities and activists.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the campaigners can succeed in their appeal and force a reversal of the mayor’s decision. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, the case has shone a spotlight on the vital importance of road safety and the role that grassroots activism can play in shaping the future of our cities.
