The Labour MP for Tottenham wants to see local LTN schemes revised
By Alice Kemp-Habib

MP for Tottenham David Lammy has voiced concerns over Haringey’s low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) trials.

In a statement released exclusively to Haringey Community Press, he said: “I am concerned the changes put in place have led to an increase in congestion due to their scale, and many constituents have contacted me about delays to their journeys and their worries about the impact on local businesses.” 

Three LTNs have been rolled out in the borough this year. In Bounds Green, St Ann’s, and Bruce Grove and West Green. The schemes use physical and camera-enforced ‘filters’ to prevent non-residential traffic from cutting through side streets.

The trials been widely criticised by locals, many of whom say that the LTNs have worsened traffic and pollution. Three protests having taken place in the past month alone, the most recent prompted by news that that fines generated by both the LTN and ‘school streets’ initiatives  were expected to raise the council £5.7million during the next financial year.

Councillors have been subject to a torrent of online abuse since the schemes were rolled out, with council leader Peray Ahmet sharing a series of screenshots as evidence on Twitter last month. Earlier, in October, she tweeted: “I have a toddler and an elderly mum who live in the borough, do me and my colleagues need to live in fear?” 

In light of this, Lammy added: “I support measures to tackle climate change, particularly air pollution, which disproportionately affects young people, ethnic minorities and those from deprived backgrounds. I have long campaigned for green improvements in Tottenham, including the implementation of better transport infrastructure.

“I also wish to put on record my support for councillor Mike Hakata, who has led this work, and our council leader Peray Ahmet. Both are dedicated public servants, and some of the personal attacks on them over this issue have been unacceptable.”

Cllr Hakata, cabinet member for climate action, environment and transport, has emphasised that the trials are only in place on an “experimental basis” and that “council officers are already working on tweaks to the network which will hopefully improve traffic flow in areas experiencing acute problems”.

Lammy added: “I have raised [my] concerns, and the need to revise the scheme, with the council on behalf of residents. I am pleased that the council has committed to make changes to improve traffic flow. I will continue to monitor the issue closely and liaise with the council over the coming months.”  

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