Low-traffic neighbourhood restrictions in Greenwich and Blackheath have not changed, council officials have said after new signs appeared in the area mentioning an “N1” permit.

Through traffic has been barred from streets east and west of Greenwich Park during weekday rush hours since the end of November. Most drivers are barred from making north-south through trips on weekdays between 3pm and 7pm on a number of roads across Greenwich and Blackheath, from Westcombe Hill in the east to Point Hill in the west. 

The restrictions were brought in after complaints of traffic queues in residential streets and antisocial behaviour from drivers. But the implementation of the scheme has not gone smoothly, with complaints about poor signage, which was not fully in place when the scheme started.

This included the usage of a disability symbol, which critics said implied that Blue Badge holders were automatically exempt – in reality, only Greenwich borough residents qualify and then they have to apply for an exemption. This resulted in the signs being partially covered up, others being taken down, and penalty charges not being brought in until January.

LTN signs on Royal Hill
Signs originally showed a disability symbol before being covered up. Image: The Greenwich Wire

Now new signs have emerged, showing that “N1” permit holders are exempt from the restrictions.

A Greenwich Council spokesperson told The Greenwich Wire that despite the new signs, nothing had changed.

“Following resident feedback some signs are being updated to improve clarity,” they said. “The ‘N1’ permit refers to exemptions issued specifically for this scheme allowing holders to travel through the restricted areas during enforcement hours without receiving a penalty charge notice.

“This is not a general exemption for all local parking permit holders and does not alter the enforcement rules or existing exemptions under the scheme. Once the installation is complete, all residents in the affected area will be notified.”

Stream of traffic in residential street
High traffic neighbourhood: Traffic streaming down Victoria Way in late afternoon last month. Image: The Greenwich Wire

The scheme has also come under criticism from residents in neighbouring Charlton, who say that they have seen an increase in traffic in their own residential streets, including outside Fossdene primary school.

At the end of January, the council’s deputy leader Averil Lekau said the town hall was “learning lessons” from the project, which is being implemented as an 18-month trial.

Who is exempted from the Greenwich LTN?

Buses, black taxis and minicabs (including Uber) are exempted. Blue badge holders who live in the borough need to apply for an exemption, as do organisations which hold blue badges. Other residents can apply for an exemption based on special circumstances – chiefly, if you or a child you’re travelling with has a chronic health condition that means sitting in a car on a longer journey causes additional distress.

To apply, visit the Greenwich Council website.

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