LONDON, 2026-01-22 16:30:00 —
A court of appeal ruled that the mayor of Tower Hamlets acted unlawfully when attempting to remove three low traffic neighbourhood schemes.
- The court of appeal overturned a previous high court ruling in favor of the mayor.
- The schemes had been implemented as part of a traffic strategy agreed upon with Transport for London (TfL).
- Tower Hamlets Council intends to seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The mayor of Tower Hamlets acted unlawfully in attempting to remove three low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes, the court of appeal has ruled. The decision overturns a previous ruling from December in the high court that had favored the mayor, Lutfur Rahman.
Rahman had campaigned on a promise to remove the LTNs, arguing they created barriers for working-class residents who rely on cars, according to his manifesto. He had stated his intention to “reopen our roads, and abolish the failed Liveable Streets scheme, which has seen emergency services and vulnerable residents’ access blocked.”
However, the court of appeal found that Rahman did not have the authority to remove the schemes, as they were established as part of a traffic strategy agreed with Transport for London (TfL).
Why It Matters
This ruling sets a precedent regarding the authority of local mayors to alter traffic schemes implemented in collaboration with TfL. It underscores the importance of adhering to agreed-upon transport strategies and could impact similar initiatives across London and beyond. The decision is a victory for road safety advocates who have campaigned for the LTNs for over three years.
Campaigners argued the LTNs benefited residents, receiving support from local NHS trusts and the headteachers of five schools. They described the schemes as “simple and cheap infrastructure which protects our public realm from the worst impacts of cars and drivers’ behaviour and encourages and supports people who choose or have no choice but to walk, cycle or get public transport,” according to a statement from supporters.
Ted Maxwell of Save Our Safer Streets said the intervention of TfL was key to winning the appeal. “We the community brought this legal challenge…but the involvement of TfL was key and their barrister, Charlotte Kilroy KC, was quietly devastating in court. The judge said Rahman acted beyond his powers,” Maxwell stated.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has previously expressed his commitment to reducing car journeys in the capital and promoting low traffic streets, as well as 20mph speed limits.
A TfL spokesperson said the court’s decision “provides welcome clarity on the scope of London boroughs’ legal duties to implement and retain schemes funded by TfL to implement the mayor’s transport strategy.”
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said the council was disappointed with the ruling and will seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, stating the judgment has “significant implications across London.”
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Guardian and added independent analysis and context.
