London borough hit with legal challenge over low traffic neighbourhood plans

A group opposed to a low traffic neighbourhood for West Dulwich has started legal action against Lambeth Council despite being advised it has a barely more than evens chance of winning.

West Dulwich Action Group said it had raised more than £32,000 in crowd funding to take the dispute to judicial review.

It said the zone - in which through traffic is restricted - had been imposed despite 68% local opposition and Lambeth had failed to properly consult and work with residents

Lambeth has cited benefits of cleaner air and reduced pollution but the group said pollution would increase as through traffic was forced out of the zone onto nearby main roads.

The group said it had been “advised by multiple lawyers that we have a slightly greater than even (50%+) chance of success based on the firm evidence supporting our case”.

A Lambeth spokesperson said: “Lambeth has some of the country’s most polluted air, lacks outdoor space for exercise and socialising for the many local people who live in flats, and dangerous roads resulting in too many people getting injured.

“The West Dulwich street improvements project supports these aims, and were created in response to business and residents’ appeals. It is an 18-month trial scheme and will be thoroughly monitored by Lambeth Council.

“The trial follows community discussions about scheme’s design and it was significantly changed based on the feedback, including removing two traffic filters, removing three parklets and extending some double yellow lines.”

A consultation on the policy had opened and the council encouraged the public to participate.

Mark Smulian