London's Mayor Lutfur Rahman Has Been Found Unlawful in Removal of Low Traffic Neighbourhood Schemes
A recent court ruling has found that Tower Hamlets' mayor, Lutfur Rahman, acted outside of his powers by attempting to remove three low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes. The decision comes after over three years of campaigning by road safety activists who sought to keep the traffic restrictions in place in Bethnal Green, Shoreditch and Columbia Road.
Rahman had campaigned on a promise to remove LTNs, claiming they were barriers for working-class people reliant on cars. However, campaigners argued that the LTNs had numerous benefits, including reducing the impact of cars on public spaces, improving safety and accessibility for vulnerable members of society, and encouraging walking, cycling or using public transport.
A panel of three judges at the Court of Appeal ruled that Rahman did not have the authority to remove the LTNs as they were part of a traffic strategy agreed with Transport for London (TfL). Ted Maxwell, from Save Our Safer Streets, praised the involvement of TfL in helping win the appeal, saying their barrister was "quietly devastating" in court.
The ruling provides clarity on the scope of London boroughs' legal duties to implement and retain schemes funded by TfL. A spokesperson for TfL welcomed the decision, stating that walking and cycling infrastructure plays an important role in making streets safer.
However, Tower Hamlets Council has expressed disappointment with the ruling, citing previous court decisions in their favour. The council has stated that it will review the judgment and seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, a move that could have significant implications for low traffic neighbourhood schemes across London.
A recent court ruling has found that Tower Hamlets' mayor, Lutfur Rahman, acted outside of his powers by attempting to remove three low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes. The decision comes after over three years of campaigning by road safety activists who sought to keep the traffic restrictions in place in Bethnal Green, Shoreditch and Columbia Road.
Rahman had campaigned on a promise to remove LTNs, claiming they were barriers for working-class people reliant on cars. However, campaigners argued that the LTNs had numerous benefits, including reducing the impact of cars on public spaces, improving safety and accessibility for vulnerable members of society, and encouraging walking, cycling or using public transport.
A panel of three judges at the Court of Appeal ruled that Rahman did not have the authority to remove the LTNs as they were part of a traffic strategy agreed with Transport for London (TfL). Ted Maxwell, from Save Our Safer Streets, praised the involvement of TfL in helping win the appeal, saying their barrister was "quietly devastating" in court.
The ruling provides clarity on the scope of London boroughs' legal duties to implement and retain schemes funded by TfL. A spokesperson for TfL welcomed the decision, stating that walking and cycling infrastructure plays an important role in making streets safer.
However, Tower Hamlets Council has expressed disappointment with the ruling, citing previous court decisions in their favour. The council has stated that it will review the judgment and seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, a move that could have significant implications for low traffic neighbourhood schemes across London.
LTNs are literally making our cities better places to live and breathe (pun intended)! It's about time someone stood up to that mayor Rahman. I mean, can you believe he thought removing LTNs would help working-class people? Um, nope! 
The fact that TfL got involved and helped win the appeal is just awesome! Walking and cycling infrastructure is where it's at, imo 
Let's keep spreading the love for our cities being more people-friendly and safe! 
so like this mayor in london tried to scrap these low traffic neighbourhood schemes but turns out he went overboard 
and now hes getting roasted by the courts 
it makes sense tho cuz these schemes are actually super beneficial for the community, like reducing cars on public spaces and making it safer for people with disabilities 
so yeah its all good that the court stepped in to protect them 
btw how would u feel if ur local scheme was taken away 
and now he's gotta deal with the consequences. i mean i'm all for reducing car usage and making streets safer but come on lutfur u shoulda stuck 2 ur campaign promises 
?
. I mean, LTNs make sense, they really do. Reducing car noise, making streets more pedestrian-friendly... it's all good stuff. But, at the same time, I get why Rahman might have thought they were a barrier for some people. It's just that he didn't have the right to unilaterally take them down without consulting TfL and the people who actually use those schemes. 
.
. think its cool that TfL got involved & helped win the appeal, their barrister was totes on point 
. anyway, cant wait 2 c what happens next, maybe this means more LTNs gettin implemented 
And the fact that TfL was involved in the appeal is a big deal because it shows that the city is starting to take traffic management seriously. But what's up with Tower Hamlets Council wanting to review this decision? Are they just trying to make things harder for themselves or what? 
So, you're surprised that Lutfur Rahman got busted for trying to get rid of those low traffic neighbourhood schemes? I mean, it's not like they've been around forever or anything, but come on, he was just trying to appease his working-class constituents... while also being a total hypocrite about traffic congestion. Like, what's the deal with that?
. it's just annoying that Rahman tried to undo all the progress they made 
, especially since he claimed those LTNs were barriers for working-class people who rely on cars 
, most people in London want safer streets and cleaner air for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status 
?! Like, Mayor Rahman was all about getting rid of those LTNs and claiming they were holding it back for working-class people, but really he was just trying to let cars rule the streets 
! The campaigners were total heroes 
! This ruling is all about standing up for those LTNs and making sure our streets are safer and more accessible 
. Love how TfL stepped in to help and totally schooled Rahman's barrister 
... gonna be interesting if they try to appeal to the Supreme Court 
!
But nope! The court called him out and now it's like, 'wait a minute'... 
. And I'm loving that TfL is finally on board too 
TfL should get a shoutout for sticking up for what's right – their barrister was total boss in court! 
what's going on with this mayor tho? He's all like "I'm gonna make streets more friendly" but in reality he was just trying to pander to drivers 
It's all about the privileged few who don't wanna give up their cars 
Let's get more of these LTNs popping up and make London a happier, healthier place 
, but at the same time, I'm kinda annoyed that Tower Hamlets Council is already saying they're gonna try to appeal it 
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. And it's cool that TfL stepped in to support the appeal 
. It's all about finding ways to make streets safer and more livable for everyone 
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