London council using LTNs to raise money is illegal, says judge

"The court's decision examined Croydon Council's broader financial position in relation to the LTNs. The judgement referenced the council's Section 114 bankruptcy notices issued in 2020 over a projected 67 million shortfall. In an effort to balance its budgets, the council projected a 10.7 million surplus generated specifically by the six LTN schemes between 2023 and 2027."

"Despite campaigning against LTNs while in opposition, Mayor Perry admitted after taking office that he could not remove the schemes because the previous administration had built more than 20 million of future camera enforcement income into the council's budget. A Telegraph article also quoted him as saying the council's budget was predicated on the schemes, meaning he was not in a position to reverse it."

"Mr Justice Pepperall ruled on Wednesday that the council had abused its statutory powers. He found that the council's primary motive for implementing the traffic restrictions was to raise revenue, which falls outside the lawful scope of the relevant legislation."

The High Court quashed six permanent Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes in Croydon after ruling the council abused its statutory powers by implementing them primarily to raise revenue. The legal challenge, led by resident Karen Lawrence and pressure group Open Our Roads, succeeded after a complex battle beginning in May 2024. The council faced financial difficulties, including Section 114 bankruptcy notices in 2020 for a 67 million shortfall. The schemes were projected to generate 10.7 million surplus between 2023 and 2027. Mayor Jason Perry's public statements revealed the council's budget depended on camera enforcement income from the schemes, indicating financial rather than safety motivations. The judge concluded the council's primary motive fell outside lawful legislation scope.

Read at www.standard.co.uk