High Court Halts Tower Hamlets LTN Removal 

Key Points

• A High Court ruling has declared it unlawful for Tower Hamlets Council to remove three Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in east London, hailed by campaigners as “a victory for local people”.
• The council announced in 2023 its intention to dismantle the LTNs, but faced a legal challenge from the group Save our Safer Streets (Soss).
• The court’s decision cited the council’s failure to reconsult residents, among other reasons, as grounds for ruling the removal unlawful.
• The LTNs in question are located on Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road; they remain in place pending any further legal proceedings.
• Soss spokesperson Ted Maxwell stated that “thousands of local residents will be extremely pleased and relieved”.
• Tower Hamlets Council, led by mayor Lutfur Rahman, expressed disappointment and plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
• London’s mayor described the ruling as “good news for Londoners”.
• LTNs function by using cameras, planters, or lockable bollards to reduce traffic in residential areas.
• In a 26-page judgment by Lord Justice Singh, Lord Justice Arnold, and Lord Justice Miles, the judges ruled that the council breached its local implementation plan (LIP) duty and failed to consider the LIP adequately.
• Ted Maxwell of Soss noted: “Things have changed a lot in the three and a half years since the mayor first wanted to rip out the LTNs. More and more people across Tower Hamlets appreciate the benefits brought by the calmer streets, and at a time when so many of our fellow residents are struggling with the cost of living there are so many better ways to spend public funds than on destroying community space and making our streets more dangerous and putting people’s health at risk.”

Tower Hamlets (East London Times) February 5, 2026 – Campaigners have hailed a High Court ruling that it would be unlawful to remove three Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in east London as “a victory for local people”. Tower Hamlets Council said in 2023 it wanted to take down the LTNs and was challenged by Save our Safer Streets (Soss). The LTNs on Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road have all stayed in place pending the outcome of the legal challenge.

What Triggered the High Court Challenge?

The legal battle stemmed from Tower Hamlets Council’s 2023 announcement to dismantle the LTNs, which aim to reduce traffic in residential areas through measures like cameras, planters, or lockable bollards. Save our Safer Streets (Soss) launched the challenge, arguing the council’s process was flawed. In a 26-page judgment delivered by Lord Justice Singh, Lord Justice Arnold, and Lord Justice Miles, the High Court ruled the council had breached its local implementation plan (LIP) duty and failed to take the LIP into account when deciding to remove the schemes.

The judges specifically highlighted the council’s failure to reconsult residents as a key reason for the unlawfulness of the decision. Tower Hamlets Council, under the leadership of mayor Lutfur Rahman, had pushed forward without adequately addressing these procedural requirements. As reported in coverage from BBC News, the disputed LTNs remain operational, preserving the current calmer traffic conditions in these east London streets.

How Have Campaigners Responded to the Ruling?

Save our Safer Streets (Soss) celebrated the outcome emphatically. Ted Maxwell, of Soss, said: “Things have changed a lot in the three and a half years since the mayor first wanted to rip out the LTNs. More and more people across Tower Hamlets appreciate the benefits brought by the calmer streets, and at a time when so many of our fellow residents are struggling with the cost of living there are so many better ways to spend public funds than on destroying community space and making our streets more dangerous and putting people’s health at risk.”

Soss further stated that “thousands of local residents will be extremely pleased and relieved”. The group positioned the ruling as a win for community safety and fiscal prudence, emphasising the growing public appreciation for LTNs amid economic pressures.

What Benefits Do Campaigners Highlight?

Campaigners like those in Soss underscore the LTNs’ role in creating calmer streets, which they link to improved community spaces, reduced danger, and better public health. Maxwell’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that these schemes have gained traction over time, with residents valuing the traffic reductions introduced since their implementation.

What Is Tower Hamlets Council’s Stance?

Tower Hamlets Council expressed deep disappointment with the High Court decision. The Labour-led authority, headed by mayor Lutfur Rahman – who is actually independent but often associated with left-leaning policies – vowed to challenge the ruling further. The council stated it planned to appeal to the Supreme Court, signalling its determination to pursue removal of the LTNs.

Council leaders argued that their 2023 decision aligned with local priorities, though the court found procedural lapses, including the breach of LIP duties. Coverage from various outlets, including initial BBC reports, notes the council’s position without delving into specific rebuttals from Rahman himself in the immediate aftermath.

Who Are the Key Figures Involved?

Mayor Lutfur Rahman leads Tower Hamlets Council and has been central to the push against the LTNs since 2023. The High Court panel comprised Lord Justice Singh, Lord Justice Arnold, and Lord Justice Miles, whose 26-page judgment meticulously outlined the council’s failings.

On the campaign side, Ted Maxwell stands out as a vocal spokesperson for Save our Safer Streets (Soss). London’s mayor – currently Sadiq Khan – weighed in positively on the ruling, calling it “good news for Londoners”, aligning with broader city-wide support for traffic-calming measures.

Where Exactly Are the Disputed LTNs Located?

The three LTNs at the centre of the case are situated in key east London spots: Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road, all within the Tower Hamlets borough. These residential areas have benefited from traffic restrictions via cameras, planters, or lockable bollards, designed to deter through-traffic and prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.

The schemes have remained intact throughout the legal proceedings, ensuring continuity for local residents. As per the court’s directive, they stay in place pending any appeal outcome.

Why Do LTNs Matter in Residential Areas?

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) work by physically or technologically limiting vehicle access in residential zones, fostering safer environments for walking, cycling, and play. Proponents argue they enhance community life, reduce pollution, and cut accident risks, particularly amid the cost-of-living crisis where alternative spending on road alterations draws scrutiny.

Critics, including Tower Hamlets Council, have contended that LTNs can inconvenience drivers and local businesses, though the High Court focused on procedural issues rather than merits. Soss’s Maxwell highlighted health risks from increased traffic, tying LTNs to public well-being.

What Does the High Court Judgment Detail?

The 26-page ruling by Lord Justice Singh, Lord Justice Arnold, and Lord Justice Miles was comprehensive. It explicitly found that Tower Hamlets Council breached its duty under the local implementation plan (LIP) – a statutory framework for transport strategies – and neglected to properly consider it. Failure to reconsult was pivotal, underscoring democratic deficits in the decision-making.

No other media titles beyond the originating BBC coverage have emerged with additional judgments or dissents, but the decision’s clarity leaves little ambiguity on procedural grounds.

Will There Be an Appeal and What Happens Next?

Tower Hamlets Council has confirmed its intent to appeal to the Supreme Court, potentially prolonging the saga. Until resolved, the LTNs on Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road remain operational. London’s mayor Sadiq Khan praised the ruling as “good news for Londoners”, suggesting wider political backing that could influence higher courts.

Soss anticipates sustained resident support, with Maxwell noting evolving public opinion over three and a half years. Legal experts may watch for LIP compliance precedents arising from any Supreme Court review.

How Has Public Opinion Evolved?

Ted Maxwell of Soss observed significant shifts: “More and more people across Tower Hamlets appreciate the benefits brought by the calmer streets”. This comes against a backdrop of economic strain, where Maxwell argued public funds should prioritise health and safety over LTN removal costs.

The campaigners’ relief – echoed in their statement that “thousands of local residents will be extremely pleased and relieved” – points to robust grassroots backing. No counter-polls from the council appear in available reports, maintaining focus on legal and activist voices.

What Broader Implications Does This Hold for London?

The ruling reinforces procedural rigour for LTN decisions across London boroughs, potentially emboldening similar challenges elsewhere. With Sadiq Khan’s endorsement, it aligns with the mayor’s vision for greener streets. Tower Hamlets’ appeal could set national precedents on LIP duties and consultations.

Residents continue enjoying the LTNs’ benefits, from safer play areas to reduced congestion. As Maxwell put it, alternatives to “destroying community space” resonate in tough economic times. This east London case exemplifies tensions between local autonomy and community-driven urban planning.