UPDATED 07.06.25

On 9 May 2025 Lambeth Council was found to have acted unlawfully in installing the experimental Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) in West Dulwich as part of the street improvements scheme.  The West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG) had challenged the Council in the High Court. The judge found the Council had failed to consider a WDAG 53 page submission when making the decision to go ahead with the LTN. The High Court judgement further required a final settlement following further submissions from each side.

The WDAG press release on the judgement can be read here.

The High Court final relief decision of 3 June now:

• Quashes the experimental traffic order and requires the removal of the LTN
• Requires the Council to pay a contribution of £35,000 towards the WDAG legal costs
• Rules there is no right of appeal by the Council 

The WDAG press release on the final releif decision is here. 

A Lambeth Council spokesperson said:
“We implemented the West Dulwich Street Improvements to reduce road danger and create a safer and healthier neighbourhood. We remain committed to delivering our programme to reduce road danger for those most at-risk and make our streets calmer, more community-friendly places. The High Court has ordered the removal of West Dulwich Street Improvements. No further fines will be issued, and we are removing the scheme as soon as it can be done safely.”

In response to the ruling, Better Streets West Dulwich, a pro-LTN group, issued a statement emphasising the importance of the LTN's objectives:
“This ruling highlights the importance of getting process right - but it doesn’t change the fact that the LTN itself has worked. Lambeth must now act decisively to rerun the process and reinstate the scheme. We cannot allow a paperwork error - serious though that was - to undo the real-world progress that’s been made.” The full statement can be found here.

This has been a deeply divisive issue within our community. Norwood Forum remains neutral and will endeavour to foster dialogue on common ground. As part of our 2025 focus on public transport and active travel, we are particularly working to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups in these discussions.