Lib Dem council 'unlawfully turned trial LTN into permanent zone' - sparking 'bedlam' for neighbours

A Lib Dem-run council has been accused of unlawfully turning a trial low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) into a permanent zone.

Lawyers have launched a High Court challenge against Bath and North East Somerset council, claiming it disregarded warnings that the scheme endangered schoolchildren through heightened congestion and pollution.

The Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group filed the action on Wednesday, representing residents who oppose the road closures.

A 40-page statement of claim alleges seven legal failings relating to the Lower Lansdown and The Circus LTN in picturesque Bath - which the council "vigorously" contests.

The council began trialling the scheme in October 2024, shutting several roads to through traffic to encourage walking and cycling.

The legal arguments claim the council pressed ahead despite its own monitoring data showing one road saw a 115 per cent surge in traffic - more than 1,100 extra vehicles per day - in what locals have labelled "bedlam".

These vehicles drive past junior schools, exposing children to greater safety risks and pollution, the papers say.

Kingswood Preparatory School wrote to the council two years ago voicing its "strong disagreement with the proposal, as we believe it will cause heavy congestion and possible safety risks in and around the area".

The council's own consultation on road closures at Winifred's Lane and Lansdown Crescent found 74 per cent of residents opposed the plan, primarily over safety concerns.

The legal papers argue the authority "effectively ignored" this consultation, constituting an error of law.

A spokesman for the group told The Telegraph it had taken legal action "out of deep concern" that the "overwhelming" opposition to the LTN was being ignored.

"This is a failure to hear local voices who raised concerns about safety, especially the safety of schoolchildren.

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"It's with sadness that we are going to the High Court to have this appalling and unsafe traffic scheme properly challenged."

More than 3,000 people have signed a petition against the scheme.

However, resident Ros Lovell, who lives on Winifred's Lane, supports the changes.

"A lot of people used Winifred Lane as a cut-through to save a few minutes when heading to the M4 or taking their children to school.

"The road became impossible to use because of endless traffic.

"Now, there's no traffic and Winifred's Lane has become a delightful place for families and cyclists who are no longer in fear of large cars moving at speed."

Councillor Joel Hirst, the authority's Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, said: "The council carried out a comprehensive consultation process and all the information about this is available on our website.

"Earlier this week, the council received an application for a Judicial Review on the Lower Lansdown Traffic Regulation Order.

"We will vigorously contest this and as it is a legal matter we are unable to comment further."