Residents in East London have achieved a significant victory in their efforts to preserve three low-traffic neighborhoods (LTNs). The Court of Appeal ruled that Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman acted unlawfully when he attempted to dismantle traffic reduction initiatives in Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, and Columbia Road, renowned for its flower market.
This case, funded through crowdfunding by the Save Our Safer Streets campaign, reached the Court of Appeal in November after Rahman had previously won a ruling in his favor at the High Court in December 2024.
Upon the announcement of the judgment, campaigners stated, „The Court of Appeal has ruled that Tower Hamlets‘ decision to remove Liveable Streets in Bethnal Green is unlawful. Councils cannot simply eliminate schemes without the Mayor of London’s approval. This sets a major precedent for boroughs across London.“ Tower Hamlets defeated in Low Traffic Neighbourhoods court fight
Council’s Response and Future Actions
In response to the ruling, Tower Hamlets council expressed disappointment and indicated plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. A spokesperson for the council remarked, „We are disheartened by the ruling, especially since previous court decisions have favored us. We will review the judgment, which has significant implications for London, and seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.“
The campaigners successfully raised over £100,000 from nearly 2,000 donations to support their legal battle.
The judges favored the campaigners on one of three legal points, concluding that the proposed removal of the LTNs should be quashed. The three schemes in question—located on Old Bethnal Green Road, Columbia Road, and Arnold Circus—were implemented by the borough’s former Labour mayor, John Biggs, between 2020 and 2022.
Community Impact and Future Goals
Rahman, who leads his own political party, Aspire, was re-elected in 2022 with a pledge to „reopen the roads.“ Ted Maxwell from Save Our Safer Streets commented, „Thousands of local residents will be extremely pleased and relieved that the Court of Appeal has ruled that the decision to remove our popular low traffic neighborhood was unlawful. This victory reflects the community’s commitment to preserving the safer streets they value.“
Maxwell emphasized that the ruling is crucial for fostering healthier neighborhoods and reducing reliance on cars. London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan aims to decrease car mileage by 27 percent by 2030 as part of a broader initiative to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the capital.
Maxwell added, „When asked, residents express a desire for more support to walk, cycle, or navigate the borough. We hope the council will heed the perspectives of residents, schools, GPs, the Met Police, and TfL to make transport policy decisions that align with community needs.“
Legal Context and Broader Implications
Ricardo Gama, a partner at Leigh Day, the law firm representing the residents, stated, „Our client is thrilled that, after a legal battle spanning over two years, the Court of Appeal has confirmed that it would be unlawful for Tower Hamlets council to dismantle the safer streets schemes. This judgment reinforces that the Tower Hamlets mayor cannot unilaterally oppose the Mayor of London’s transport strategy, which advocates for low traffic infrastructure.“
A spokesperson for Transport for London remarked, „Walking and cycling infrastructure, such as low traffic neighborhoods, is vital for enhancing street safety and promoting active travel across London. We welcome the court’s decision, which clarifies the legal responsibilities of London boroughs to implement and maintain schemes funded by TfL in alignment with the Mayor’s transport strategy.“
Green Party London Assembly member Caroline Russell noted, „This ruling not only benefits residents of Tower Hamlets but also enhances the well-being of all Londoners. It establishes that the Mayor of London has the authority to require councils to implement road schemes proposed through Local Implementation Plans (LIPs) in accordance with his transport strategy.“
The case was adjudicated by Lord Justice Singh, Lord Justice Arnold, and Lord Justice Miles, with TfL participating as an interested party due to the potential citywide and even nationwide implications for protecting LTNs.
The original LTN schemes, introduced between 2020 and 2022, resulted in 14 road closures. In September 2023, Rahman decided to reopen all but one of the roads, although this action was halted due to ongoing legal disputes.
In the judgment, Lord Justice Singh stated that Rahman violated the Greater London Authority Act 1999 by failing to implement the borough’s local implementation plan, which outlines how the transport strategy of the Mayor of London should be executed.
Singh acknowledged the strong and divergent opinions regarding LTN schemes in Tower Hamlets and the differing views between the Mayor of Tower Hamlets and the Mayor of London. He clarified that the court’s role was not to evaluate the merits of LTNs but to address the legal arguments presented.
In conclusion, Lord Justice Singh stated, „I would allow this appeal on the first issue: [Mr. Rahman’s] decision to revoke the scheme was in breach of section 151(1)(a) of the 1999 Act. The appropriate remedy would be a quashing order.“
The appeal was based on three grounds: the lack of fair consultation regarding the removal of the LTNs, failure to adequately consider the borough’s transport plan, and noncompliance with procedural requirements.
The LTNs feature cycle lanes, pocket parks, seating areas, and large planters designed to prevent residential streets from being used as thoroughfares. They remained operational while legal challenges were pending.
Earlier this week, the Government announced plans for increased scrutiny of Tower Hamlets council amid ongoing financial concerns. Campaigners estimated that dismantling the schemes and redesigning the roads would cost the council approximately £2.5 million.
Before the implementation of the LTNs, over 8,000 vehicles traversed Old Bethnal Green Road daily, including lorries seeking shortcuts past four primary schools. In Arnold Circus, residents reported disturbances from late-night gatherings of individuals drinking in cars and causing noise disturbances. Since the introduction of the LTNs, traffic congestion on Old Bethnal Green Road has significantly decreased, serious road injuries have been nearly eliminated, and anti-social behavior in Arnold Circus has diminished.
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Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Matthias Wesselmann auf Unsplash
