Lambeth Council has been instructed to remove the low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) in West Dulwich immediately following a recent court ruling.

The LTN scheme was implemented in September 2024 despite objections from residents and accrued over £1m in penalty fines since its introduction.

Last month, deputy high court judge Jim Smith ruled that the LTN was ‘unlawful’ and emphasised the council’s failure in ignoring complaints proposed by the West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG) before beginning the 18-month LTN trial.

The High Court has now ordered the council to remove the LTN with immediate effect, with no leeway to appeal the verdict.

The council has also been told to pay the WDAG £35,000 in legal costs, however, the group are reportedly campaigning for an increase in this figure to compensate the drivers who paid LTN penalty fines.

The WDAG have questioned Lambeth Council about whether refunds will be issued to drivers, emphasising that the case ‘is not just about legality — it's about fairness and public trust. If the law was broken, the money should be paid back.’

‘This case should never have gone to court. It could have been resolved through proper, respectful dialogue. Instead, Lambeth chose to defend litigation over listening — and the public has paid for it’, the WDAG spokesperson added.

Following the court ruling, a Lambeth Council spokesperson said: ‘We remain committed to delivering our programme to reduce road danger for those most at-risk and make our streets calmer, more community-friendly places.

‘The High Court has ordered the removal of West Dulwich Street Improvements. No further fines will be issued, and we are removing the scheme as soon as it can be done safely.’