A Labour-run council earned more than £1 million in fines from an unlawful Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) in just six months.
Lambeth council collected £1,080,580 from penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued to drivers who entered streets suddenly closed as part of the controversial West Dulwich LTN, introduced in October.
On Friday, Deputy Judge Tim Smith ruled the council had acted unlawfully by introducing the scheme and unfairly ignoring residents’ concerns that it could cause more pollution and congestion.
Campaigners from the West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG), representing local residents and businesses, are now calling for Lambeth to refund motorists fined since the scheme began.
A WDAG spokesperson said: “As the LTN has been declared unlawful, there can be no possible justification for Lambeth to keep the fines collected since September last year, and so they should be refunded.”
The group became the first residents’ organisation to successfully challenge an LTN in court. Their victory is deeply embarrassing for Lambeth and may lead to the scheme being scrapped.
Deputy Judge Smith said Lambeth council was guilty of a “serious failing” after it ignored an “impressive” report by campaigners, which warned the closures could worsen congestion and pollution in the area.
He also criticised Lambeth for providing a “masterclass in selective partial reporting” after it emerged that the council failed to properly record public consultation responses on the scheme.
LTNs typically involve closing residential roads to through-traffic, with hefty fines issued to motorists who enter restricted zones. Lambeth recently increased its PCN charges from £130 to £160, although reduced rates apply if fines are paid promptly.
Critics argue that LTNs merely shift traffic onto surrounding boundary roads, causing gridlock and higher emissions.
In response to the High Court ruling, Lambeth council said it had “acknowledged” the decision and was “carefully considering the implications of the judgement”.
A Lambeth council spokesman said: “Lambeth council has introduced a trial neighbourhood scheme in West Dulwich to make streets safer, create new community spaces and support people to walk and cycle around the area.
“We have thoroughly engaged with and listened to the local community throughout the development of these proposals, and provided opportunities for residents and businesses to feed back. We ask that all road users follow the law so they do not get a fine.”
The council has raised millions of pounds through similar LTNs, introduced in an apparent bid to tackle climate change and encourage active travel like walking and cycling.
