A hearing into plans for a part-time low-traffic neighbourhood in parts of Greenwich and Blackheath has been delayed again – this time because of the general election.
Greenwich Council plans to stop through traffic using roads on either side of Greenwich Park between 7am – 10am and 3pm – 7pm on weekdays because of concerns about congestion in residential streets and antisocial behaviour by drivers.
Conservative leader Matt Hartley and a number of Labour councillors had all challenged the decision in March, with a “call-in” hearing planned so a panel of councillors can make a decision on whether the scheme should be reconsidered.
But councils cannot make announcements or decisions that could influence voters in the period immediately before an election.
First the London mayoral election, then the Mottingham, Coldharbour & New Eltham council by-election held the hearing up. Now the general election means that the call-in cannot be heard until July at the earliest.
The final decision on the low-traffic neighbourhood – called a “neighbourhood management scheme” by the council – will still be made by Averil Lekau, the deputy leader, whatever the outcome of the hearing.
The scheme would block most through traffic using Point Hill, Hyde Vale and Crooms Hill to the west of Greenwich Park; and Maze Hill, Vanbrugh Hill, Halstow Road and Westcombe Hill to the east, using numberplate-recognition cameras. East-west traffic along St John’s Park in Blackheath would also be blocked.
Buses and taxis would still be able to use the roads and there would be a wide range of exemptions, including for blue badge holders and carers.
Most of those who responded to a consultation opposed having a low-traffic neighbourhood, although large numbers expressed concern about the number of motor vehicles in the area.