Low Traffic Neighbourhoods could be axed as campaigners win 'David v Goliath' court case

Campaigners have won a historic victory against the introduction of a (LTN) after a judge found the controversial measure had been "unfair" to locals. Residents in West Dulwich, , took their case to the after accusing Lambeth Council of running inadequate consultations on a new LTN before implementing it last year. LTNs, which have been rolled out across London and the UK since a £250million government investment in 2020, aim to restrict so-called "rat-running" in residential areas by restricting through-traffic with physical barriers including bollards or planters.

Despite proponents hailing them as the path to reduced noise and air pollution, critics have said LTNs cause increased congestion and pollution on central and boundary roads. In a judgement delivered on Friday, Judge Tim Smith said the consultation on introducing an LTN in West Dulwich had been "unfair" - and ordered the council to axe the scheme, in a landmark case which could set a new precedent for the UK.

The case was brought by West Dulwich Service Station Ltd on behalf of the West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG), which says it represents around 1,000 residents and has raised nearly £50,000 in a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal fees.

The campaigners succeeded in one of three parts of their legal challenge - involving the "unfair" lack of consideration of a 53-page document about the impact of the LTN compiled by WDAG, which Judge Smith said was "highly relevant" to the debate around its introduction.

A spokesperson for the action group described it as a "David v Goliath" battle which "should never have ended up in court".

"This ruling sends a clear signal to councils nationwide: communities will no longer tolerate top-down, poorly conceived schemes that ignore local input [and] which prioritise revenue over real solutions to issues like pollution," they added.

"This should never have ended up in court. Lambeth Council chose to spend public funds fighting the very community it exists to serve, rather than sitting down with us to find a workable, locally supported solution. It's a shameful misuse of resources that could have been avoided through genuine engagement."

Deputy Council Leader Rezina Chowdhury said the scheme would remain in place for an interrim period until the local authority is given "further directions" from the High Court.

"We implemented the West Dulwich Street Improvements to reduce road danger and create a neighbourhood where residents can live safer, happier and healthier lives," she added.

"This was part of our overall ambition to reduce road danger, encourage more active and sustainable travel, and improve air quality for communities across our borough.

"We acknowledge the court's decision and are carefully considering the implications of this judgement; we will provide further updates in due course."