Keep Browning Avenue OPEN
UPDATE 19-Feb-2021: The pollution-producing, money-making bus gate is gone!
Read the full update below. And sign the petition for refund of fines collected during the pandemic from this illegal scheme.
Update on the road closure of Browning Avenue and Ruskin Drive in Worcester Park KT4
On 10th February 2021, Sutton Council announced that all LTNs would be removed including the Worcester Park busgate.
Sutton Council stated this was in relation to the recent High Court Ruling by Justice Lang and had nothing to do with resident opposition. However, the 3500+ residents that signed the petition against the busgate and the 86% who objected to it in the council's consultation say otherwise.
It was revealed that by the end of January 2021, 5571 PCNs had been issued. That’s almost £725,000 in fines to vulnerable residents during a pandemic.
NOTE: Until the camera is removed, it remains active and enforceable by fines.
Source: London Borough of Sutton Consultation 2020
Source: Imperial College Air Quality Data
With continued pressure by residents who uncovered Sutton Council’s continuous failures to provide necessary reports, assessments and credible data, it left them with nowhere to hide.
Sutton Council are on record as using Covid as an opportunity. Justice Lang said this was not a rational response to the pandemic.
Sutton Council did NOT perform any Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA). This is required by the Equality Act 2010 and to not do so is illegal.
Sutton Council "claimed" 2,000 cars/hour used Browning Avenue. When residents questioned this data, it was proven FALSE. It was less than 400 cars/hour.
Sutton Council claimed there had been complaints about speeding on Browning Ave. Freedom of Information (FoI) Act requests revealed there had been NO complaints in the last 5 years.
Sutton Council have already said they will push ahead with their Sustainable Transport Policy but will consult with residents. We shall see what that looks like after the last "consultation" which showed 86% of respondents were opposed to these schemes, yet the plan was to introduce more road closures.
So whilst this is a victory – it’s only for now. Be sure that they are already planning how to get around this. But we will be ready to continue to defend the environment, our roads and our community. And as such, we are keeping our campaign running and leaving our fundraiser open for now so that we can respond quickly when the need arises.
Step 1: Donate to help cover Legal Costs
Please donate whatever you can and share with friends and family. More details on Just Giving page.
11-Feb-2021: Radio Jackie: interview with Worcester Park resident discussing Sutton Council's plans to axe all its LTN schemes
10-Feb-2021: Controversial Sutton LTN barriers to be removed
23-Dec-2021: Concern raised at pollution and safety in Worcester Park LTN
27-Oct-2020: Sutton residents demand to know the data behind controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods
There's more you can do to make Sutton Council listen. Here's a few simple ways - each only takes a few minutes:
Tons of evidence showing this scheme isn't working. Like and share videos.
If you live in KT4/Worcester Park, join our active Facebook group with over 1000 members.
Print and display posters in your window or bin.
Sign the petition against the bus gate.
Calling for vote of no-confidence motion in Cllr Manuel Abellan, the architect of these schemes.
If clicking on the link doesn't work, copy their emails from the Councillor Details page.
Who are we?
We are Worcester Park residents who are directly impacted by Sutton Council's scheme to partly close Browning Avenue. We want the council to follow a democratic process and consult with local residents about the impact of their proposed changes BEFORE they implement them, as these schemes have a detrimental impact on the local residents, local businesses and the environment. To contact us, send an email to ltnfailkt4@gmail.com.