COMMUTERS have slammed a hate Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme as they claim it left their bus stuck for an hour on jammed up roads.
Locals of Lambeth, South London, have slammed their local council for “failing to anticipate the damage and delay” the restrictions would cause.
LTNs, which see large stretches of road (usually in residential areas) completely pedestrianised, are becoming more popular with local authorities despite objections from motorists.
The schemes are hailed for their environmental and traffic-calming benefits, but critics claim that they simply redirect jams to other areas.
People living around the Streatham Wells area of Lambeth have been objecting to the latest installation after data from Transport for London showed that one of its busses took over two hours to complete a 2.9-mile route.
They claim that redirecting cars onto the A23, a major route out of the capital, has simply led to long queues of drivers trying to turn onto the main road.
Local resident Stephen Hall, who runs the Streatham Stuff website, told The Times: “It’s four months into the scheme and buses on the High Road are still regularly getting stuck for an hour in the congestion.
“Lambeth Council seems to have hugely underestimated the amount of damage and disruption the LTN would cause.”
And in nearby West Dulwich (in the same council area), there is similar fury over their LTN.
Jonathan Fowles from the West Dulwich Action Group, which has campaigned against the measures, accused the council of “ignoring” evidence that locals’ safety was being impacted.
He alleged: “The council’s apparent disregard for published collision data, favouring ideological pursuits over public safety, has left the community feeling ignored and endangered.”
Tom Cunnington, TfL’s Head of Buses, said: “We are sorry passengers continue to experience delays to bus services in Streatham – this is not in line with the level of service we aim to provide.
“There have been a number of issues that have affected roads in the area and we are working with the borough to understand how adjustments can be made to help reduce congestion for buses.
“We hope to find a solution as soon as possible.”
However, he maintained the organisation’s backing of LTNs in principle.
He added: “New infrastructure, including well-planned low-traffic neighbourhoods, plays a vital role in keeping everyone safe and making it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle.
“Should localised congestion issues arise in areas near LTNs, we work closely with the boroughs to retime traffic signals, improve bus priority measures and make other adjustments to schemes.”
And Lambeth council blamed “ongoing roadworks” and train strikes for the congestion.
A spokesperson said that the council was “aware” of the complaints and was “working closely with TfL” to resolve them.
They went on: “In previous Lambeth LTN schemes, traffic fell across the neighbourhood and boundary roads by the end of the trial.
“The Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, and other measures such as those in West Dulwich, have been introduced to our busy London borough to make the areas safer, more sustainable and to improve the quality of life for everyone living in our local neighbourhoods.”
