Six controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes will have to be removed as a result of the High Court ruling
By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter – 05 Mar 2026
The High Court has quashed six permanent Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes in Croydon after a judge ruled they were unlawfully introduced to help plug the borough’s dire finances.
The long-running case was in part decided by public statements made by Croydon’s Executive Mayor, Jason Perry.
The legal challenge was spearheaded by local resident Karen Lawrence and the pressure group Open Our Roads. Following a complex legal battle that began in May 2024, Mr Justice Pepperall ruled on Wednesday (March 4) that the council had abused its statutory powers.
He found that the council’s primary motive for implementing the traffic restrictions was to raise revenue, which falls outside the lawful scope of the relevant legislation. LTNs are residential areas where through traffic is restricted by measures such as planters and cameras, in an effort to improve road safety and air quality.
The court’s decision examined Croydon Council’s broader financial position in relation to the LTNs. The judgement referenced the council’s Section 114 bankruptcy notices issued in 2020 over a projected £67 million shortfall.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 