New Low Traffic Neighbourhood and Thames Water works a “perfect storm”, say Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats have asked Lambeth Council to waive any fines from the first two days of Streatham’s new Low Traffic Neighbourhood after emergency Thames Water works closed down Leigham Road.

The new Streatham Wells Low-Traffic Neighbourhood became operational on Monday 23 October, which collided with unplanned Thames Water works that caused carnage on Leigham Court Road and Streatham High Road.

Cllr Donna Harris, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Official Opposition on Lambeth Council, has written to the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air to ask that all involved are not unjustly penalised.

Some residents have been forced on a 4-mile detour through gridlock on Streatham High Road and Streatham Common North Side, whilst traffic mayhem extended for miles on the South Circular.

Lambeth Council said it would be issuing Thames Water with a £5,000 fine for every day the emergency works overran, beginning Monday 21 October.

The Lib Dems argue that this money should be put aside to waive any fines issued for breaching the new Low-Traffic Neighbourhood restrictions whilst the works are ongoing

Commenting, Cllr Donna Harris, Leader of the Lambeth Liberal Democrats, said:

“Until Monday, the new Low-Traffic Neighbourhood signs were spray painted over. Combining the unannounced Thames Water works, endless tailbacks, and ever-darkening skies, the perfect storm has been created, causing much local frustration and anger.

“It would be incredibly unfair to punish residents and non-residents who have been caught up in the chaos and confusion over the last two days by issuing Penalty Charge Notices to them. The Thames Water fines will be more than enough to cover the Council’s coffers.”

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