Greenwich Council Denies 'Airbrushing' Opposition to Controversial Traffic Scheme
Greenwich Council has strongly rejected claims that it "airbrushed" evidence of public opposition in reports concerning a contentious Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme. The South London authority has also firmly dismissed allegations that the consultation process for the West and East Greenwich Neighbourhood Management scheme was "biased, undemocratic or secretive."
Background of the LTN Scheme Implementation
The council initially implemented the first stage of the LTN scheme in November 2024, launching a trial project designed to reduce traffic volumes and improve air quality in two residential areas within Greenwich. The scheme utilizes camera-enforced filters that restrict car travel within the designated zones between 7am to 10am and from 3pm to 7pm on weekdays. Drivers detected violating these restrictions receive Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).
Following the trial period, Greenwich Council moved to make the scheme permanent in October 2025 after analysis revealed a 6 percent decrease in traffic throughout the entire area and slight improvements in air quality within the LTN zones. This approval decision was subsequently called in by two councillors for further examination at a scrutiny committee meeting in November, where numerous residents both supporting and opposing the scheme presented their views.
Divergent Resident Perspectives on the LTN Impact
Residents living within the LTN areas generally expressed support for the scheme, reporting that it has enhanced road safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Conversely, opposition primarily came from residents residing outside the scheme boundaries, particularly in Charlton, who argued that the traffic restrictions have merely displaced congestion onto their local roads instead.
Despite the call-in procedure, the scheme approval decision was ultimately upheld, allowing the West and East Greenwich Neighbourhood Management scheme to advance to the statutory consultation phase. This formal consultation period ran from December 3, 2025, to January 7, 2026.
Council Addresses Consultation Process Concerns
Greenwich Council has now published the consultation results in a comprehensive 66-page document as it prepares to implement the Traffic Management Order (TMO) necessary to make the LTN scheme permanent. Within this document, the council directly addresses concerns that it "selectively reported, omitted or airbrushed" crucial elements of public feedback, labeling these accusations as inaccurate.
The council maintains that all reports "presented a comprehensive summary of all formal representations received, including petitions, open comments, and consultation data." Additionally, Greenwich Council denied allegations that it failed to provide "clear and cogent reasons" for approving the LTN scheme or that the initiative prioritized roads based on affluence, emphasizing instead that the scheme aims at "managing traffic and improving safety and air quality across the whole network."
Petition Controversy and Council Response
Another significant concern raised during the consultation involved a petition that garnered over 5,700 signatures opposing the scheme. Critics alleged this petition had been omitted from published materials and therefore not given proper consideration. Greenwich Council clarified that the petition did not adhere to its established submission procedures, which explains why it was not directly referenced in official reports.
However, council officers noted that the concerns outlined in the petition—including traffic displacement, air quality impacts, emergency service access, accessibility for Blue Badge holders, and consultation adequacy—had already been raised throughout earlier stages of the consultation process and had consequently been taken into account. For instance, following initial public engagement rounds, the council expanded Blue Badge exemptions to the LTN scheme, allowing two vehicles per eligible person.
Traffic Displacement and Mitigation Measures
The council's report also addresses concerns regarding traffic displacement onto boundary roads, acknowledging that specific roads in the Charlton area, particularly Victoria Way and Eastcombe Avenue, have experienced increased traffic volumes. Residents have highlighted a narrow intersection between Victoria Way and Eastcombe Avenue outside Fossdene Primary School as a particular problem area, describing it as a pinch point created by motorists avoiding the LTN zones.
While residents fear this situation could endanger school children, Greenwich Council stated: "Collision data collected during the trial has not indicated any significant adverse safety impacts at or near Fossdene Primary School." The council has committed to exploring targeted mitigation measures—such as turning restrictions, junction improvements, and traffic calming interventions—to address localized issues in Charlton. However, the report clarifies that these measures "will be subject to funding availability and statutory processes."
Air Quality Monitoring and Final Decision
Regarding concerns that traffic displacement might worsen air quality on boundary roads, the council reported that its monitoring data did not indicate a "widespread worsening of air quality." The Traffic Management Order that will make the West and East Greenwich Neighbourhood Management Scheme permanent is scheduled to come into effect on February 17, 2026, provided no councillors call in the decision. As of February 12, 2026, no councillor had initiated such action.
