Lambeth Council workers were left ‘in tears’ and offered wellbeing leave after a hostile public meeting about a low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN), the High Court has heard.
The ‘drop in’ event was organised by Lambeth Council in April 2023 to inform residents about plans for the new LTN in West Dulwich.
The LTN scheme has proved controversial, with campaigners currently asking the High Court to declare it unlawful on several grounds, including that the consultation was inadequate.
Lambeth’s barrister, Heather Sargent, has told the court: ‘The experience of officers attending the event for the council (on a Saturday) was so negative that the then head of transport strategy and programmes offered them a day of wellbeing leave.’
The hearing has been brought by the West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG), which says it represents about 1,000 residents opposed to the LTN.
Charles Streeten, for the WDAG, said: ‘My clients’ position is that they were not in any way abusive, but there were people there whose conduct was bordering on abuse.
‘We are not disputing the challenging nature of the event.’
