Our lives are being made hell by road closures – we're rowing with our neighbours | The Sun
RESIDENTS slammed their council after road closures made their lives hell – and sparked bitter neighbour disputes.
Locals living in Streatham, South London, are fuming after discovering they will be banned from driving down four roads in their neighbourhood.
The decision outraged homeowners who fear restricted access will create hellish commute times.
Others are concerned elderly residents who can't travel by public transport will become isolated and cut-off from the community.
This move comes as part of £450,000 traffic restrictions imposed by Lambeth Council, for the Streatham Wells Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN).
The council aim to reduce pollution in the area, cars on the road, and create a safer environment for cyclists.
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However some residents feel it is just another blow after being told they will face a daily £12.50 charge when ULEZ expands.
Local mum, Vicky Brain, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the closures could stop her disabled daughter getting to school.
"It’s going to restrict our lives considerably when we get the low-traffic neighbourhood," she said, as reported by MyLondon.
"It’s going to mean that my daughter can’t take part in educational and after-school activities."
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Another fuming neighbour, Nyasha Oliver added: "Some of my neighbours are disabled and their carers have to take cars with them."
She worried vulnerable people on the street wouldn't be "able to go where they needed to".
However the council report claimed all blue badge holders will be given access through the restricted roads, in addition to buses, emergency services, bin lorries and taxis.
Yet, one homeowner claimed the decisions had sparked "heated" neighbour battles within their Whatsapp group.
But the resident said she remained "on the fence" about more road closures.
"I don't drive so it's not going to affect me," she continued.
"I can see where people in favour are coming from. I get annoyed when cars drive down here at ridiculous speeds because of my kids.
"But also I used to live on a road in another borough where traffic was being diverted because of an LTN and it was a problem."
It’s going to restrict our lives considerably when we get the low-traffic neighbourhood."
However, others are not bothered by upcoming changes and think "it's a positive move overall".
Will Hadley, 35, said: "As a car driver I have to drive to work and I can’t really avoid the fact that cutting off bits of the road will affect my route.
"But if that adds three minutes on to my journey it’s not too bad because reducing pollution and traffic is a good thing."
And the council stated closures will only be enforced for 18 months on trial before any permanent decisions are made.
It is funded by TfL and the council, who are donating £120,000 and £330,000 respectively.
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for clean air, said: "These proposals will lead to a significant improvement in road safety, air quality, and will allow more space for people to enjoy their neighbourhoods without worrying about traffic jams and exhaust fumes.
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"The proposed Streatham Wells LTN, as well as the other improvements, show we are taking bold steps to address issues like road danger, toxic air quality, and climate resilience.
"We have been listening to the community for more than two years to ensure these proposals strike the right balance between reducing overall traffic volume and supporting people where they live or work and will continue to ask for feedback as we move forward."
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