Drivers have been warned they risk getting hit with a £130 fine after a local authority made traffic orders in the area permanent.
Lambeth Council revealed that it would make its Low Traffic Neighbourhood in Brixton permanent, citing environmental benefits as the leading factor.
The LTN, which was introduced in September 2023, was being trialled by the council to help limit the number of cars in the area.
However, after receiving positive results from the scheme, the council has made the decision to stick with the measures.
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Lambeth Council introduced the LTN in September 2023
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The council explained that under the new measures, there will be no changes to the physical layout of the LTN or existing access to local streets.
The only addition will be the inclusion of a 30-minute waiting limit on Lyham Road to help reduce the number of vehicles parking at the kerbside.
The positive results from the council report highlighted how the LTN contributed to a 58 per cent decrease in traffic within the area as well as an overall four per cent net traffic reduction.
It also contributed to an 83 per cent drop in vehicles exceeding speed limits within the neighbourhood while also promoting cycling across the region.
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury said: “Brixton Hill LTN has been a great successand the effects are clear. There are now fewer vehicle journeys overall and a significant increase in the number of people walking, cycling, wheelingor scooting.
“Lambeth Council is transforming streets across the borough to make them safer, calmer and cleaner. The Brixton Hill LTN is a great example of how working with local communities can achieve benefits for everyone.”
But responses to the council decision have been mixed with many drivers furious over the continued punishment scheme. Under the LTN rules, drivers can be fined £130 for travelling in the area without an exemption, although this can reduced by half if paid early.
Currently, the only vehicles exempt from charges include emergency services, Blue Badge holders, and other essential users.
One person shared on Facebook: “I live near an LTN, the traffic they cause on the main roads is ridiculous. The pollution isn’t reduced, it’s just moved somewhere else. People living on the main roads including kids don’t seem to matter.”
Someone else shared that the LTN is “a complete joke”. They added: “Cost of fuel is still rising… We now have through traffic and idiots driving above the speed limit! Lambeth Council need to sort this out, they don’t respond, don’t consult all the residents or give a hoot who they inconvenience, total nightmare!”
Meanwhile, another local resident who lives on an estate near the south circular road claimed they were being forced to travel an extra mile to get home.
They claimed: “To add to this the traffic and congestion on the south circular now is insane. I worry daily about what this level of pollution is doing to our toddler, her bedroom window is less than 50 metres from the south circular… who do we complain to?? I honestly just don’t understand how this can work.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
IN 2023, residents in Lambeth launched a petition entitled “Remove LTNS on Kingswood Road, New Park Road Entrance and Surrounding Roads”. At its peak the petition received more than 1,200 signatures.
