Tower Hamlets mayor acted unlawfully in attempted removal of LTN schemes

"Rahman had campaigned on a promise to remove the LTNs that he said were barriers for working-class people who relied on cars; his manifesto said he wanted to reopen our roads, and abolish the failed Liveable Streets scheme, which has seen emergency services and vulnerable residents' access blocked. But campaigners argued that people benefited from the barriers, and their campaign was supported by local NHS trusts and the headteachers of five schools."

"They said that the LTNs were simple and cheap infrastructure which protects our public realm from the worst impacts of cars and drivers' behaviour and encourages and supports people who choose or have no choice but to walk, cycle or get public transport. We need to do this to support vulnerable members of our society, to reduce isolation, to improve safety and accessibility."

"In the hearing, the judge ruled that Rahman did not have the right to remove the LTNs because they had been put in place as part of a traffic strategy agreed with Transport for London (TfL). Ted Maxwell of Save Our Safer Streets said the intervention of TfL helped win the appeal. We the community brought this legal challenge, including raising thousands of pounds for legal support, but the involvement of TfL was key and their barrister, Charlotte Gilroy GC, was quietly devastating in court."

A court of appeal ruled that the mayor of Tower Hamlets acted unlawfully in attempting to remove three low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes in Bethnal Green, Shoreditch and Columbia Road. The LTNs had been installed as part of a traffic strategy agreed with Transport for London (TfL), and the judge found the mayor lacked the legal power to remove schemes delivered under that strategy. The mayor had campaigned to reopen roads, arguing LTNs were barriers for working-class people and impeded emergency and vulnerable residents' access. Campaigners, supported by local NHS trusts and several headteachers, argued the LTNs improved safety, accessibility and community wellbeing. The community raised funds for a legal challenge, and TfL's participation and barrister contribution were decisive in the appeal outcome.

Read at www.theguardian.com