Lambeth scraps LTN

A low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) trial in Streatham has been suspended with immediate effect following disruption to bus services and ahead of construction work.

It comes after London mayor Sadiq Khan said the Streatham Wells LTN was ‘causing huge problems’.

However, Lambeth Council said the LTN, which involved camera-enforced traffic filters to stop through traffic using certain roads, had ‘met its objectives’.

According to the south London council, there has been a 2% net reduction in traffic since the trial began in October, with a 60% decrease within the LTN and an 8% increase on boundary roads.

The authority did acknowledge that increased traffic on boundary roads, including Streatham High Road (the A23), had placed a ‘significant strain’ on bus services.

Lambeth also said suspending the LTN would prevent ‘more significant delays’ when construction work on the A23, including to bring in new segregated cycle lanes, starts later this spring.

However, the council would have long been aware of this work – Transport for London confirmed in early 2021 that road improvements on the 'busy' A23 were going ahead following a consultation.

The council’s cabinet member for sustainable Lambeth and clean air, Rezina Chowdhury, said: ‘We’ve listened to the concerns raised by local people and recognise the major disruption coming as part of transport improvements on the main road running through Streatham.

‘The combination of factors together would cause too much disruption for Lambeth residents.’

The trial had been due to run for 12-18 months. Cllr Chowdhury also said on X (formerly Twitter): ‘We will implement a future solution when conditions allow.’