The Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes introduced by Harrow’s Labour Council has caused chaos and congestion across the borough’s roads. These schemes have led to petitions with thousands of signatures calling for their removal as well as a number of fiery exchanges between residents and Labour Cabinet members.

Since the LTNs were proposed in July, Harrow’s Conservative Councillors have been consistent in opposing the schemes. We have repeatedly criticised the lack of consultation with residents, the increased congestion and air pollution increase caused by these schemes. Harrow Conservatives proposed a motion at the November Full Council meeting calling for the immediate removal of all LTNs, sadly Labour chose to keep local roads congested.

Harrow Conservatives have repeatedly questioned whether emergency services raised any concerns about the effect of LTNs on their response times. We were told each time that the Council had received no negative feedback from the emergency services.

We now know that this simply was not true.

Harrow Conservatives have acquired a copy of a letter from the London Ambulance Service which shows the Council was informed of serious concerns about the effect of LTNs on ambulance response times. The Council received this letter back in July, well before these schemes were implemented. It is deeply concerning that Harrow’s Labour Council chose to continue with implementing the LTNs, ignoring the Ambulance Services concerns.

In light of this, the Leader of Harrow Conservatives, Cllr Paul Osborn, has written to the Chief Executive of Harrow Council demanding the immediate removal of all LTN neighbourhoods. We are awaiting a response.