Open letter to Lambeth Councillors - London Borough of Lambeth
We the signatories - people who live, study, work and use community facilities in Lambeth, request that Labour Councillors in all wards support the rights of people with protected characteristics, guaranteed by law, and stand against the discriminatory implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) by the Council Cabinet using Emergency Covid-19 Legislation.

We ask councillors to openly acknowledge that the implementation of LTNs was in breach of Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) as laid out in the Equality Act 2010, which has necessitated legal action against the Council for failing to consider or consult those with disabilities [R (Sheakh) v London Borough of Lambeth CO/469/2021].

Furthermore, we demand this be demonstrated publicly, with a clear rejection of the Streetspace programme, which includes LTNs, and has been ruled unlawful by Justice Beverly Lang [R (United Trade Action Group Ltd & Ors) v Mayor of London & Transport for London [2021] EWHC 72] on a number of grounds including failure to comply with PSED.

We do not accept the excuse of a collective decision to implement LTNs by Lambeth Council. It is unlawful.

We would also remind them of the Labour Party Constitution, which states:

“No member of the Party shall engage in conduct which in the opinion of the NEC is prejudicial, or in any act which in the opinion of the NEC is grossly detrimental to the Party. The NEC shall take account of any codes of conduct currently in force and shall regard any incident which in their view might reasonably be seen to demonstrate hostility or prejudice based on age; disability; gender reassignment or identity; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; or sexual orientation as conduct prejudicial to the Party: these shall include but not be limited to incidents involving racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia or otherwise racist language, sentiments, stereotypes or actions, sexual harassment, bullying or any form of intimidation towards another person on the basis of a protected characteristic as determined by the NEC, wherever it occurs, as conduct prejudicial to the Party.”

We feel we have no choice but to publicly rebuke the Cabinet after 6 deputations against LTNs and the Larkhall Bridge closure, presented at a council meeting on 14th October 2020, were ignored. A petition against LTNs set up by residents on the Council website has almost 4000 signatures. In addition, a Freedom of Information request has revealed that 16 councillors, including the Deputy Leader, live within, and directly benefit from, LTNs at the expense of others, including disabled residents. The Council Monitor failed to acknowledge this conflict of interest. Cllr Claire Holland and other proponents of the scheme appear to be of the opinion that those who protest about discrimination are climate change deniers who purposely use their cars for multiple short journeys. Cllr Claire Holland’s close working with a number of groups such as Lambeth Cyclists (Simon Still), Living Streets (Sarah J Berry) and Mums for Lungs demonstrates that the Council Cabinet value their opinions over those of normal residents and groups representing those with protected characteristics. Council members have failed to condemn Mr Simon Still of Lambeth Cyclists and the London Cycling Campaign who has now resigned after his racist tweets emerged online.

To conclude, we expect our elected representatives to uphold the law, and live up to the claim of the Labour Party as an anti-racist party that seeks equality for all. Residents with protected characteristics are the same as any other residents, they have the same aspirations and concerns as their neighbours. What we will never accept is for those with protected characteristics to be discriminated against, treated as second class citizens and for any complaints about the Council’s actions to be covered up.

We demand that Lambeth Labour councillors join with residents in a public call:

1. For all current road and bridge closures (including Low Traffic Neighbourhoods) brought in using Emergency Covid-19 legislation in the borough of Lambeth to be reversed in their entirety and all roads reopened.
2. For all new changes to roads or infrastructure to be properly consulted on including groups with protected characteristics and the elderly and for proper baseline traffic flow and congestion monitoring to be undertaken prior to any implementation.
3. That before any new consultation occurs, Equality Impact Assessments are prospectively carried out with a particular focus on data on car ownership and usage by residents with protective characteristics. This also to be performed by fully independent entities with expertise in such.
4. That consultation is not just carried out using a system that cannot be manipulated e.g. Commonplace, and that ensures there is no digital exclusion of residents without internet access.
5. To take account of the history and heritage of Lambeth particularly Brixton and acknowledge the impact of dividing certain roads causes segregation and division within the community. The historical fabric of the area should take precedence over any proposed plans put forward.

We expect our elected representatives to stand with us, not against us.
We expect our representatives to be honest and truthful with residents.
We expect our representatives to stand up for community values and speak out against all forms of discrimination.

We expect Lambeth councillors to respect the Nolan principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

If they don't, then we will organise and replace them with representatives who will.
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