| Topic: | Re:Re: GOOD - Another Labour council forced to scrap an illegal LTN | |
| Posted by: | Steve Taylor | |
| Date/Time: | 18/04/26 19:01:00 |
“ A Labour council forced to scrap an illegal Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) is being taken to court for creating an “unlawful” cycle lane. Legal papers accuse Lambeth council of “erring in law” by approving a £1m bike lane in south London that could increase traffic congestion and pollution while damaging the health of pedestrians. The West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG), which represents residents and businesses, claims the local authority only considered how the scheme would help cyclists, ignoring adverse effects on the wider community. High Court documents claim town hall bosses failed to obtain planning permission for the Brockwell Park to Gipsy Hill cycle lane which will cross the busy South Circular Road. The 26-page skeleton argument says the cycle lane “includes the effect of increased air pollution in Rosendale Road (arising through slower moving and increased traffic…) on the health of pedestrians and residents …”. Plans ‘suggest a closed mind’ It claims elements of the council’s decision-making process “suggest a closed mind” or “a logical gap or error of reasoning which critically undermines [the cycle lane’s] legality”. It is the second High Court challenge WDAG has brought against the authority. In 2025, the group won a High Court battle after a judge ruled that Lambeth had unlawfully introduced its West Dulwich LTN after ignoring the “legitimate” concerns of residents that the scheme would increase traffic and adversely affect air quality. The court heard that some council staff were granted “wellbeing leave” after encountering vehement public opposition to the scheme. The council scrapped the LTN after the ruling.” |