The Streatham Hill Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) was first introduced as a trial in 2020, and then made permanent in 2022. You can find out more on Lambeth’s website here.
Since then, Lambeth have been working on designs to upgrade the existing filters from temporary measures, such as planters, to permanent schemes.
A historic gate on Palace Road near the entrance to Coburg Crescent will be replaced with an ‘LTN Traffic Filter’ “to stop motor traffic cutting through the estate”. PRERA understand this to mean the existing planter blocking Palace Road outside the Hive Cafe/Nature Garden is to be removed (and donated to Hillside gardens) and a permanent ‘LTN Traffic Filter’ (essentially a camera barrier instead of a physical barrier) will be added as shown below:
So where can I drive?
People walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting are allowed to go through the ‘LTN Traffic Filter’. Blue Badge holders, refuse collection vehicles, emergency services, ambulances, and taxis can apply for a dispensation to access one traffic filter location. (The Coburg Crescent Learning and Disability Centre ambulances may be allowed to apply for dispensation but it is at their discretion whether to do so).
All other motor vehicles cannot pass through ‘LTN Traffic Filters’ however – this is to stop motor vehicles using quiet streets as shortcuts. Following a grace period, motorists who drive through the new ‘LTN traffic filter’ will begin to receive fines. See the map for where you will be able to drive when the new ‘LTN Traffic Filter’ is installed on Palace Road. Palace Road Estate can now only be accessed via Hillside Road.
We have been told this LTN is in response to residents complaints to Lambeth specifically about Coburg Crescent being used as a cut through. Traffic will no longer be able to use Coburg Crescent as a cut through and through traffic is still not allowed on Palace Road; there is still a barrier on Palace Road but it is a camera rather than physical barrier “the camera enforced restriction will limit through traffic”.
Message from Capital Studio Projects at Lambeth
“There have been some changes to the design of the scheme following the issuing of the original letter on 26 July which involve removal of the existing planter. The planter was due to be replaced by a more permanent physical restriction however this is no longer required due to the new camera enforced restriction to the west of the junction with Coburg Crescent. We apologise for any confusion or distress this change may have caused. We would like to assure you that vulnerable and disabled residents have been considered as part of these works, and a full Equality Impact Assessment has taken place for the upgrades to the Streatham Hill LTN.“
Please note
LTNs are not within PRERAs remit and we have not been involved with any planning and decision making by Lambeth. The phrase please do not shoot the messenger comes to mind. We are aware there are strong views held both ways on LTNs by estate residents, so if you have feedback please contact Lambeth directly at:
capitalstudioprojects@lambeth.gov.uk
Barstow Crescent
Vehicle access to Barstow Crescent will be from Palace Road to the east of the new ANPR filter following the introduction of the new camera enforced filter to the west of the junction. Access from the south circular will therefore be from Hillside Road, turning right onto Palace Road. The existing planter will be removed as the camera enforced restriction will limit through traffic. Vehicles will be able to exit Barstow Crescent using the existing exit onto Palace Road to the other side of the new filter. Vehicle access will therefore be slightly changed but access will be maintained at all times for residents, deliveries, and emergency services. The exiting vehicle access arrangement is unchanged and is shown in green. The the new proposed vehicle entry access arrangement is shown in orange.
Unlike Coburg Crescent, Barstow Crescent has gated access which will limit the possibility of motorists using Barstow Crescent to bypass the new filter. However, this will be monitored and if an issue arises then we will take action to mitigate this.
Also on Palace Road
A new filter has also been proposed on Palace Road on the junction with Leigham Vale to stop an identified gap in the LTN cell enabling motorists to cut through the area. We do not have more information on this at this stage.