Detail from an earlier council appeal for views on ‘people-friendly streets’

• WHEN it comes to low traffic neighbourhoods, LTNs, Islington Council seems to have adopted autocratic rule, akin to North Korea, shunning those in need.

Councillors have dismissed the need to consult residents.

By doing so, they have omitted to assess the potential impact of LTNs on the disadvantaged and the vulnerable – in this case, anyone who is unable to cycle.

Some councillors have admitted to an ambition to make life “more difficult” for local residents who depend on cars.

This flawed policy is totally unfair as it has a disproportionate impact on people like my elderly mother and my partner (who suffers with Parkinson’s disease).

Like so many of our disabled and vulnerable neighbours – many of whom do not own a car but all of whom rely on cars for mobility and their livelihoods – my family have been left to suffer the consequences of inept LTNs.

My elderly mother and my partner are no longer able to get to and from their weekly medical appointments because they cannot access vehicles to get them there.

When I raised this with councillors, I was told to use the ambulance service.

This response reminded me of how “out of touch” these politicians are with the realities of the lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Shockingly, I had to remind one councillor that the National Health Service and London Ambulance Service were already under huge pressure and that emergency ambulances were not a transport service for those with chronic conditions and disabilities.

LTN restrictions on the freedom and mobility of my family has led to depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation.

Taking my partner or mother out with me when I run chores for them is no longer an option.

Furthermore when I have to take trips in a car to carry large essentials for my family, I now endure serious traffic delays.

The LTNs have caused heavy congestion and chaos on the roads.

This means that I’m having to pay for carers to look after my family while I spend over two hours in a car journey that would have taken me less that 30 minutes prior to the introduction of LTNs.

Congestion will surely get worse when the Covid-19 lockdown is lifted.

History has shown us that many dictators started their despotisms with virtuous ambitions.

Autocratic rule and poor policies had a devastating impact on the lives of the many, especially those who were disadvantaged because they did not belong to the social group to whom the dictators appealed.

Today we face a similar scenario in Islington. If you cannot cycle or walk, and if you are dependent on a car (be it electric or not), councillors’ action dictates that you have no place here.

This is a tragedy for my family, my neighbours, and for the democratic principles which underpin society in the United Kingdom.

The Islington Liberal Democrat three-point plan should be given serious consideration:

• Implement LTNs that work for the benefit of all residents and do not pitch pedestrians, cyclists and motorists against each other.

• Set up citizens’ assemblies to ensure that, going forward, local people have a real say and can work together to improve their neighbourhoods.

• Use camera-controlled traffic filters to recognise number plates so that residents and businesses, and Blue Badge holders have continued direct access to their own streets.

I trust this letter gives a voice to those who, like my family and I, feel voiceless.

UFI IBRAHIM
Loxford Gardens, N5