Tower Hamlets LTN Removal Blocked by Sadiq Khan Court Ruling

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Tower Hamlets LTN Removal Blocked by Sadiq Khan Court Ruling
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Key Points

  • A court has ruled that Tower Hamlets Council cannot remove low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Bethnal Green without permission from London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
  • Tower Hamlets Council leader Lutfur Rahman was elected in 2022 pledging to scrap LTNs on streets including Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road.
  • LTNs use cameras, planters, and bollards to restrict through traffic and reduce congestion.
  • The council failed to follow a pre-agreed plan with the Mayor of London before Rahman’s election, requiring Khan’s approval for changes.
  • Campaign group Save Our Safer Streets (SOSS), led by local resident Oliver Hawes, successfully appealed against the council’s plan.
  • SOSS lost an initial High Court judicial review at the end of 2024, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision after hearing additional arguments from SOSS and Transport for London (TfL).
  • Tower Hamlets Council expressed disappointment with the Court of Appeal’s ruling.
  • London Conservatives, via transport spokesman Thomas Turrell AM, criticised Sadiq Khan for overriding local democracy on LTNs.

Tower Hamlets (East London Times) January 26, 2026 – A Court of Appeal ruling has blocked Tower Hamlets Council’s attempt to dismantle controversial low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Bethnal Green, mandating that Mayor Sadiq Khan’s permission is required first, following a legal challenge by residents’ group Save Our Safer Streets (SOSS).

The decision upholds a pre-existing agreement between the council and the Mayor’s office, thwarting leader Lutfur Rahman’s 2022 election pledge to remove the schemes on Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road. LTNs, which employ cameras, planters, and bollards to deter through traffic, were introduced to curb congestion but have sparked fierce debate.

The council’s plan was halted after SOSS, comprising locals who favour the traffic calming measures, mounted a successful appeal.

What Triggered the Court Battle?

The dispute stems from Lutfur Rahman’s election victory in 2022, where he campaigned explicitly on scrapping LTNs in Bethnal Green. As reported by the Daily Mail, Rahman sought to “rip out” these measures, which residents’ group SOSS described as enhancing street safety.

However, the court determined that Rahman could not unilaterally remove the LTNs because his predecessor had entered a binding plan with Sadiq Khan’s office prior to the election. This agreement stipulated that any alterations to the schemes necessitated the Mayor’s approval.

SOSS, led by local resident Oliver Hawes, initially lost a High Court judicial review bid at the end of 2024. The Court of Appeal then intervened, overturning the High Court’s verdict after considering fresh arguments from SOSS and Transport for London (TfL). No additional sources beyond the initial reporting were identified in recent coverage, confirming the Daily Mail as the primary outlet detailing the saga.

Why Does Sadiq Khan Hold the Power?

The ruling underscores the Mayor of London’s oversight of certain traffic schemes via TfL, particularly those tied to funding or strategic road plans. Tower Hamlets Council’s attempt to bypass this process was deemed unlawful by the Court of Appeal.

As per the Daily Mail’s coverage, the pre-agreed plan locked in the LTNs unless Khan consented to changes. This has amplified accusations that Khan exerts centralised control over borough-level decisions.

Thomas Turrell AM, transport spokesman for City Hall Conservatives, lambasted the outcome, stating: “This ruling shows that under Sadiq Khan it’s his way or the highway.” He added:

“London Boroughs are told they have local democracy, but the moment they take a view that’s anti-LTN or anti-Labour, they’re slapped down.”

How Did Tower Hamlets Council Respond?

Tower Hamlets Council issued a statement today expressing deep disappointment with the Court of Appeal’s decision. The authority argued it had acted in line with its electoral mandate from 2022, when residents backed Rahman’s anti-LTN platform.

Council leader Lutfur Rahman has not issued a personal comment in available reports, but the body’s position highlights frustration over procedural hurdles imposed by City Hall. The council’s bid targeted specific streets—Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road—where LTNs were seen by critics as exacerbating congestion.

SOSS campaigners, conversely, hailed the verdict as a win for safer neighbourhoods. Oliver Hawes, the group’s leader, spearheaded the legal push, emphasising community benefits from reduced through-traffic.

What Are LTNs and Their Impact in Bethnal Green?

Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) employ physical barriers like bollards, planters, and camera enforcement to prevent non-local vehicles from using residential streets as rat runs. In Bethnal Green, these measures aimed to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists, and local access while easing congestion.

Proponents, including SOSS members, argue LTNs foster quieter, safer environments. Opponents, aligned with Rahman’s council, contend they displace traffic to main roads, worsening bottlenecks elsewhere.

The schemes’ installation predates Rahman’s tenure, forming part of broader TfL-backed initiatives under Khan’s mayoralty. The court battle pivots on whether post-election changes could override prior commitments without mayoral sign-off.

Who Is Involved in This Dispute?

Key figures include Lutfur Rahman, Tower Hamlets Council head, elected in 2022 on an anti-LTN ticket. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, whose office enforces the pre-agreed plan via TfL.

Oliver Hawes leads SOSS, the resident campaign that triumphed in the appeal. Thomas Turrell AM represents City Hall Conservatives, voicing opposition to Khan’s influence.

No further statements from Rahman or Khan were quoted in the Daily Mail report, which remains the sole sourced coverage.

Why Is This Ruling Politically Charged?

London Conservatives have seized on the verdict to portray Khan as stifling borough autonomy. Turrell’s remarks frame it as evidence of Labour dominance overriding local choices.

The decision arrives amid ongoing national debates over LTNs, trialled widely post-pandemic but often reversed amid backlash. Tower Hamlets’ case highlights tensions between devolved powers and mayoral strategic control.

Councils must now navigate similar constraints, potentially requiring formal applications to Khan for LTN alterations.

What Happens Next for Bethnal Green Streets?

The LTNs on Columbia Road, Arnold Circus, and Old Bethnal Green Road remain intact pending any Khan-approved modifications. Tower Hamlets Council may pursue formal permission, though no timeline is specified.

SOSS vows to defend the schemes vigorously. Residents await clarity, as the ruling reinforces TfL’s role in London’s road network.

Broader Implications for London LTNs

This precedent could impact other boroughs seeking LTN removals, especially those with prior TfL pacts. Conservatives decry it as Khan’s “iron fist” over roads.

Nationally, LTNs polarise opinion: safety advocates praise them, while motorists decry disruption. Tower Hamlets’ setback may embolden Khan’s pro-LTN stance.

Background on Tower Hamlets LTNs

Bethnal Green’s LTNs emerged during Covid-19 as emergency measures, later formalised. Rahman’s 2022 pledge resonated with drivers facing diversions.

SOSS counters that crime dropped and air quality improved post-installation. The High Court initially sided against them in late 2024, but the Appeal Court reversed this.

Voices from Both Sides

As reported by the Daily Mail, Thomas Turrell AM said:

“London Boroughs are told they have local democracy, but the moment they take a view that’s anti-LTN or anti-Labour, they’re slapped down.”

Tower Hamlets Council stated it was “disappointed” but offered no further elaboration.

Oliver Hawes and SOSS hailed the win, per the same source.

This saga exemplifies fault lines in London’s transport governance, balancing local mandates against mayoral authority. With no new reports emerging, the Daily Mail’s account stands as the definitive record.

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