Full list of South London roads drivers face fines for using at certain times as new LTNs rolled out
A set of low traffic neighbourhoods will be added to streets in Greenwich during rush hour from the end of next month. Greenwich Council has confirmed that the new restrictions will apply to roads east and west of Greenwich Park to prevent through traffic during rush hour.
The trial for the scheme is due to begin on November 27, which will use number plate recognition cameras to stop through traffic on prescribed roads between 7am and 10am as well as 3pm and 7pm on weekdays. Roads in East Greenwich such as Westcombe Hill and Vanbrugh Hill are due to become bus gates under the scheme, while Halstow Road, Maze Hill, St Johns Park and Langton Way will have camera enforced traffic filters.
Entry to Lindsell Street in West Greenwich will be blocked, while other streets on the west side of the park such as Royal Hill, Crooms Hill, Circus Street, Winforton Street and Maidenstone Hill will use cameras to enforce a ban on through traffic. Exemptions will be available for Blue Badge holders, bin trucks, taxis, private hire vehicles and those carrying individuals with special needs.
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The scheme is due to last for up to 18 months and the public will be invited to provide feedback during the first six months of the trial. This information will be used to consider whether to keep or amend the proposals.
Labour Councillor Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport for the authority, confirmed the scheme would be going ahead in August after the decision was called in at a scrutiny meeting three weeks earlier. Dates for their implementation had not been set until now. Conservative Councillor Matt Hartley claimed at the meeting that the decision to install low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) has been predetermined by the authority regardless of the outcome of the earlier consultations.
Cllr Lekau said initial plans for the LTNs had been amended following feedback, with the scheme originally including physical barriers instead of cameras. Residents were also divided on the scheme at the meeting, with some welcoming the proposals as their local streets had become 'motorways' while others claimed the length of their commutes would quadruple in length.
A Greenwich Council spokesperson said: "Tackling air pollution, reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety in these areas is vital to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents."
They added: "We've been working closely with the community to develop this scheme, engaging with over 9,200 households and businesses, and getting their feedback on their concerns about through traffic and poor air quality in both neighbourhoods. We listened carefully to what local people told us and have used that feedback to shape the trial, including making the restrictions part-time and offering an expanded range of exemptions."
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