Unlawful LTN takes £1m from motorists

Telegraph

10-05-2025

An unlawful low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) banked a Labour council more than £1 million in fines from motorists in just six months.
Lambeth council made £1,080,580 from penalty charge notices (PCNs) after closing roads last October as part of the controversial West Dulwich LTN.
On Friday, a judge ruled that the council had acted unlawfully by creating the LTN and then unfairly ignoring residents' legitimate concerns that it would cause more pollution and traffic congestion.
Now, campaigners are demanding that the council pays back money it has banked from the south London scheme following the High Court ruling.
A freedom of information request showed that the LTN was raising more than £180,000 a month from fines issued to motorists who had entered roads suddenly closed to them.
The West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG), which comprises residents and businesses, opposed to the scheme, saying: 'As the LTN has been declared unlawful, there can be no possible justification for Lambeth to keep the fines collected since September last year, and so they should be refunded.'
Tim Smith, the deputy judge, said Lambeth was guilty of a 'serious failing' after it ignored an 'impressive' report produced by campaigners that warned the LTN street could lead to increased congestion and pollution.
He also found the local authority had given a 'masterclass in selective partial reporting' after a council document failed to record public consultation on the scheme.
WDAG became the first residents' organisation to win a legal battle over an LTN. The ruling, which has proven embarrassing for Lambeth council, could now mean the LTN will be scrapped.
LTNs involve closing residential roads to some traffic and fining motorists who stray into the zone. A PCN has just risen from £130 to £160 in the borough, but a lower charge can be paid if the fine is settled in a couple of weeks.
Critics claim the schemes simply force congestion onto invariably busier boundary roads, causing gridlock and more pollution.
The council has 'acknowledged' the court's decision and said it was 'carefully considering the implications of the judgement'.
It has raised millions in fines from LTNs it has introduced in an apparent attempt to tackle climate change as well as promote 'active travel' such as walking and cycling.
A Lambeth council spokesman said: 'Lambeth Council has introduced a trial neighbourhood scheme in West Dulwich to make streets safer, create new community spaces and support people to walk and cycle around the area.
'We have thoroughly engaged with – and listened to - the local community throughout the development of these proposals, and provided opportunities for residents and businesses to feed back. We ask that all road users follow the law so they do not get a fine.'