Petition Supporters Message 2020-08-28
The number of signatures against road closures in Lewisham continues to grow. We are now well over 5,000 as people are experiencing the problems already created by the closures. That includes large increases in journey times, stationary traffic on some of the main roads with resulting increases in air pollution, and traffic moving to other minor roads to avoid the jams. In reality it has favoured some residents but disadvantaged others. A very divisive policy in essence rather than trying to achieve a consensus via proper public consultation.
It’s not too late to get your neighbours, friends, relations and work colleagues to sign it. Send them a message containing this link to the petition: http://chng.it/f8PH2L2LZq or simply forward this message.
You should also add your comments to the Council’s web site here: https://lewishamcovidresidentialstreets.commonplace.is/ (click on the top right to select individual roads). The more negative comments the Council receives, the more likely they are to remove the closures, although Councillors so far have proved to be deaf to the complaints. They may yet change their minds.
Conference Call with MPs
This week Lewisham MPs Janet Daby and Vicky Foxcroft hosted a conference call for constituents to hear their views on the road closures (the Healthy Neighbourhoods scheme). A report on the event is present here: https://abdlondon.wordpress.com/2020/08/26/lewisham-mps-hear-complaints-about-road-closures/ .
It was very clear that most of the speakers opposed what has been done!
Make Sure You Submit Objections to Lewisham Council
It is very important that as many people as possible submit formal objections to the Temporary Traffic Orders that have imposed the road closures. The ABD has already done so – see this letter: https://www.freedomfordrivers.org/ABD-Objection-Letter.pdf
Please send in your own objections. You can copy the text of that letter but please add your own comments!
I will let you know of further news as it arises.
Roger Lawson