Residents living near one of London’s historic town centres are campaigning to save their low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) to avoid having their homes deluged by rat-running commuters.
In an unusual twist to often vocal opposition against LTNs, people living in west Greenwich want councillors to keep the scheme in place to avoid a return to the narrow streets being used as “race tracks”.
More than a third of the 163 LTNs across the capital that were funded by Transport for London have been axed after protests from some motorists, leaving 106 in place, though 22 more schemes are in the pipeline.
The row in west Greenwich, a largely affluent area bounded by Greenwich Park, the town centre and the A2 Blackheath Hill, comes ahead of a decision by Greenwich council on whether to retain, amend or axe the scheme.
Last week the Labour-run council decided not to introduce two new LTNs, including in the roads immediately east of the park, despite severe congestion.
Video footage captured by residents shows extraordinary scenes of drivers accelerating at speed down the wrong side of Vanbrugh Hill in a bid to “jump the queue” rather than wait in long tailbacks.
Residents say there have been “eye-watering near misses”, prompting some families to move out of the area. Police have been called to road rage incidents.
Other footage shows schoolgirls having to wait more than a minute before motorists were prepared to stop at a zebra crossing to enable them to cross the road.
Some campaigners in West Greenwich fear the council is seeking to “gerrymander” the result by allowing residents from outside the LTN boundaries - including in neighbouring boroughs such as Lewisham - to take part in the consultation.
When the LTN was first introduced, about two-thirds of residents were in favour. Roads such as Crooms Hill and Hyde Vale are protected by ANPR numberplate-reading cameras.
Prior to the introduction of the LTN restrictions, commuters, many following smartphone apps, would divert off the A2 through Greenwich’s narrow streets - before then rejoining the A2 nearer their destination.
One campaigner said: “This is about safety. We have schools here. We have children crossing in and out of Greenwich Park and going across the heath to attend seven other schools in the vicinity.
“This is the place to target active travel. It was working. We in West Greenwich assumed the council would take this model and roll it out. Why wouldn’t you want safe residential streets?”
Another resident said: “About 80 per cent of the traffic that was passing through our narrow streets was coming from Kent to get to central London. To take the LTN away now would be so cruel and dangerous. It’s just asking for trouble.”
A third said: “I think there is massive support. Pretty much everybody I know who lives in the LTN is ‘pro’ it.
“I think you would struggle to find anybody whop didn’t think there has been a real benefit in terms of traffic and the environment. It creates a nice neighbourhood.”
Greenwich council modified the scheme in a bid to ease congestion in east Greenwich, and to improve access for emergency vehicles and bin lorries.
Greenwich council was approached for comment on Tuesday but has yet to respond.
