Disappointment as meeting set to discuss opposition to LTN schemes
By Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents were left disappointed when a full council meeting set to discuss opposition to low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes in Haringey was called off yesterday.

Two petitions against the controversial schemes were up for debate, and speakers for and against the schemes had been due to attend, but the meeting was cancelled at the last minute.

Three LTNs have been introduced on a trial basis this year in Bounds Green, St Ann’s, and Bruce Grove and West Green. Designed to reduce ‘rat-running’ and boost air quality, the schemes use physical and camera-enforced ‘filters’ to stop non-residential traffic from cutting through side streets.

Opponents of the schemes claim they increase congestion, journey times and pollution – particularly along boundary roads on the edges of the schemes.

Protestors carrying placards and demanding an end to LTNs walked through Wood Green to the meeting venue – The Decorium in Western Road – to make their voice heard. The Metropolitan Police had a roadblock in place in Western Road and a number of officers were present.

There are conflicting accounts as to why the meeting did not go ahead. Haringey Council subsequently posted on Twitter that it was unable to take place “due to disruption by a small group of protestors”. Although some supported this view, others denied there was disruption and suggested the meeting could have gone ahead as planned.

Alexander Charalambous said residents were sat “peacefully” in the hall. “Everyone was sitting down,” he said. “When some councillors came out, they got clapped. We sat there about an hour and 15 minutes.” Alex said that if the council’s statement about disruption was true, then the small group of people causing the disturbance could have been removed to allow the meeting to take place.

Speaking today (Tuesday), council leader Peray Ahmet expressed disappointment that the meeting was called off, adding: “We really wanted to be there and listen to your deputations and petitions and take on board the views from our communities.”

The council leader continued: “I have taken time to reflect on the large number of messages that have been posted on our social platforms overnight and I have to set the record straight on why we came to this decision.

“Unfortunately, a small, very loud group of protestors stormed their way through the front door, broke down a barrier, breaking a lock and chain and broke into the room before the meeting had even started, without going through the required bag and security searches.

“It was not an easy decision to cancel the meeting, but we had to protect the safety of our councillors, council officers and other members of the public.

“We need to distinguish between local people who wanted to hear the debate, protest legitimately, and present their petitions, and a small but organised group who appeared determined to disrupt the proceedings.

“A number of protestors were then taking up seats that were intended for individuals who were denied the chance to present their deputations in a civilised way.

“We had no confidence that our members could progress safely with the meeting. The behaviour of the minority meant the meeting was not able to start within 15 minutes of the published time which – under our constitution – means the meeting was inquorate and could not go ahead.

“We will be having another meeting and I urge those of you who want to come forward and express your opinion to please do so.”

Luke Cawley-Harrison, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, said: “It is very disappointing that yesterday’s meeting could not go ahead, but safety for all in the room, including councillors, officers, security staff and the police, must come first.

“My colleagues and I were looking forward to hearing from residents on the many important matters set to be discussed at the meeting, as well as debating the cost-of-living crisis we are currently experiencing across the country, but the venue breach before the meeting commenced meant that that was not possible in a manner where those involved in the security and safety of the event felt comfortable in it going ahead.

“We would like to see the meeting rescheduled as soon as possible, with lessons learnt so that security measures are improved, and residents are able to engage meaningfully and democratically with councillors.”

Almost 7,000 people signed the petition against the West Green and Bruce Grove LTN. A separate petition against the Bounds Green LTN trial gained more than 2,800 signatures.

The protest against the schemes was the second to take place in the space of a week. On 14th November, a large demonstration was held outside a meeting of the environment and community safety scrutiny panel, which was able to go ahead as planned.

Residents can provide feedback on the LTNs here: haringey.gov.uk/ltn-feedback

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