A statement from Croydon Conservative Group on the decision to suspend the Crystal Palace/South Norwood LTN
We welcome the decision to suspend Labour’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood in Crystal Palace and South Norwood.
Since the scheme’s ill-judged inception, campaigners have fought furiously for an end to the initiative. Today’s announcement signifies a great victory for the “Open Our Roads” campaign group. They should be congratulated.
But the suspension may only be temporary. The council is seeking to understand the legal implications of the recent high court ruling that found that Sadiq Khan, Labour Mayor of London, had closed roads unlawfully during the pandemic. Once this situation is clarified, the Labour Council is more than likely to reintroduce the scheme.
Regardless of the legal implications, we call on Croydon Labour to acknowledge that:
- This scheme has put huge pressure and stress on local residents;
- This LTN has been bad for business at a time when businesses are already struggling;
- This scheme risks driving good teachers away from our borough, which is exactly the opposite of what the council should be trying to achieve.
The suspension of the scheme is a welcome decision. Now this Labour Council must commit to scrapping it altogether.
