Motorists in a south London borough are set to face stricter enforcement as the local authority rolls out a raft of new traffic-calming measures. The move comes in direct response to a worrying rise in speeding violations and the use of residential streets as rat-runs.
New Enforcement for Problem Streets
Lambeth Council, led by the Labour Party, has confirmed it will install new speed cameras and a key traffic filter this month. The focus is on the Streatham Hill Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) area, where monitoring has revealed significant issues.
Data showed a significant increase in cut-through traffic on sections of Palace Road and Probyn Road since the scheme was last reviewed. Over 3,700 vehicles a day were recorded using Palace Road to avoid nearby main roads.
More alarmingly, speed surveys indicated that close to 40% of vehicles on Probyn Road were breaking the speed limit, with 29% speeding on Palace Road. These figures have cemented the council's decision to act.
Council Takes Action on Resident Concerns
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Clean Air and Sustainable Lambeth, stated that road danger is a top issue for locals. "The council is absolutely clear that we will take action to keep people safe," she said.
She specifically addressed the problematic cut-through: "We know that the Palace Road-Probyn Road cut-through is used by too many people to avoid the traffic lights on the gyratory. It’s not fair for small local streets to be used like this."
The centrepiece of the new measures is a camera-enforced traffic filter at the junction of Palace Road and Leigham Vale. Following a statutory consultation, this filter will restrict through traffic to cyclists, pedestrians, and exempted vehicles only.
Exemptions and Expected Outcomes
Exemptions will apply to emergency services and Blue Badge holders who have obtained an approved dispensation. The council aims to use the filter to reduce overall traffic volume and danger, creating a safer environment for active travel.
Previous monitoring of the wider Streatham Hill LTN has shown promising results, with a 5% decrease in traffic across internal and adjacent main roads, and a dramatic 54% drop on internal roads. Cycling levels in the area, including on Palace Road, have also seen a significant boost since the LTN's introduction.
The new filter will be implemented using cost-effective, durable materials and will include new planting and bicycle parking. The project is being funded by a Transport for London grant.
