Walking and cycling schemes face legal challenges after Sadiq Khan defeated by cabbies in High Court

Coronavirus - Wed Nov 18, 2020
A fleet of unused London taxis being stored in Epping Forest
PA

A series of legal challenges to road schemes promoting cycling and walking are being mounted in the wake of the Mayor of London’s High Court defeat by black cabbies.  

Mrs Justice Lang ruled on Wednesday that Sadiq Khan’s flagship Streetspace scheme was rushed through without proper consultation, “taking advantage” of the pandemic to close off roads to general traffic.  

Cabbies argued their trade was being harmed by road restrictions aimed at encouraging walking and cycling which prevented taxis from picking up customers, and the judge concluded the Mayor had "far exceeded what was reasonably required to meet the temporary challenges created by the pandemic".  

Following the ruling, judicial review challenges to “low-traffic neighbourhoods” in at least five London boroughs – Ealing, Hackney, Hounslow, Lambeth and Croydon – will now go to the High Court.  

Many disputed schemes involve road closures to general traffic, pavement widening, and new temporary cycle lanes, but face complaints they were rushed through in the last ten months.  

Craig Mackinlay, all-party parliamentary group for fair fuel chairman, told the BBC some schemes are in “ridiculous places”. He said: “I think the judgment in London has highlighted very well some of the things that are going wrong."

Mr Khan has vowed to appeal the Streetspace High Court defeat. The fresh wave of legal challenges are due to be heard by judges on February 12.  

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