William Eichler 21 September 2023

Tower Hamlets to remove LTN road closures

Tower Hamlets to remove LTN road closures image
Image: chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com.

Tower Hamlets Council has decided to remove most of its low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) road closures despite the majority of affected residents supporting the air quality measures.

The London borough says that the LTN road closures – called Liveable Streets – have proven too divisive.

‘LTNs have been one of London’s most contentious issues – a one-size-fits-all solution that has divided boroughs, communities, and even political parties,’ said Lutfur Rahman, executive mayor of Tower Hamlets.

‘The repercussions have been more severe in Tower Hamlets as an inner-city borough with little space to move around.’

The mayor has decided to remove the restrictions despite the latest consultation showing that only 41.7% of residents in the LTN area are in favour of removal, while 57.3% want to keep them.

‘We have seen people on both sides try to skew the results of our consultation. Ultimately, I am interested in the views of Tower Hamlets residents in the affected areas,’ Mr Rahman said.

‘I must now make a decision as mayor, and I have decided that division is not the answer. We need to find better solutions to improve air quality that can unite our residents and businesses.’

A recent study by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and law firm Browne Jacobson warned that disputes over LTNs risked undermining local efforts at tackling climate change.

PM Rishi Sunak has also delayed the Government's ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030 to 2035, potentially slowing the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

If this article was of interest, then check out our features, 'Now I am become Uxbridge, destroyer of rational climate discourse', 'Home County drivers face taxation without representation'., and 'The case for low-traffic neighbourhoods.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner