Mayor must be a stronger champion for low traffic streets

Green Assembly Member, Sian Berry, has urged the Mayor to show more political courage over low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and called for him to champion a much wider roll out across London.  

Sian Berry AM said: 

“The Mayor isn’t putting himself out there or truly championing this transformative policy, but the evidence is clear – low traffic streets work – and the public support is there. Recent polling shows that nearly 60 percent of Londoners support having more low traffic neighbourhood schemes, [1] and that’s why I challenged him today.” 

“Removing through traffic reclaims streets for residents and ensures the space is both safe and appealing to walk and cycle. We need a Mayor who will champion the introduction of low traffic streets across London.” 

At Mayor’s Question Time today, Sian asked the Mayor: 

“There is controversy, but we can't lose momentum, can we? Would you agree that London needs hundreds more low traffic neighbourhood schemes? And are you offering enough support, both practical and moral support, given the importance and urgency of this work?” 

Sian further asked the Mayor, when he was last photographed at a low traffic neighbourhood, and really championed these schemes.  

The Mayor responded: 

“I'm a bit nervous giving details of where I've been photographed, because one of the people standing against me to be the Mayor criticised me for being photographed too much.” 

Sian Berry replied: “I'm asking you to show political courage. That's this is the whole point.”