15 January 2021
Why oppose something that’s experimental and temporary?
This is a strange experiment because nothing is being properly measured. We can all see that some roads have been emptied of traffic, while others have become more congested and polluted, but there is no before-and-after data. Air quality, in particular, is not being monitored. This is a grave omission, given the effect of pollution on children’s lungs. Despite this, these experimental measures are strongly supported by lobby groups who are asking the Council to make them permanent.
Aren’t these emergency closures, brought in because of Covid-19?
Money was handed out by central government in May 2020 to help councils enable social distancing and active travel. But controversial plans to close Dulwich Village junction and Melbourne Grove have been around for years. The Council may want to keep the ‘emergency’ measures in place even after Covid-19 restrictions have ended.
Don’t we need to take urgent action because of the climate emergency?
Yes, we do. But taking the wrong action – action that discriminates against vulnerable groups of people, or that worsens the health and well-being of some by making life nicer for others – is not the answer. This is an area with poor public transport, so we need to reduce traffic in ways that take all needs into account. We can only do this through creative thinking and by taking collective responsibility toward the community as a whole.
Do schools support the measures?
All local schools support reducing traffic, encouraging active travel and improving air quality. But not all schools support every aspect of the current measures – for example, timed closures that have no access for key workers. No school is in favour of increased traffic and congestion past their school gates.
What about the emergency services?
All three emergency services in Southwark (Fire, Police and Ambulance) have said they do not support schemes with hard closures, as they increase response times. They support camera-enforced closures without physical prevention for vehicles.
Aren’t local shops and restaurants benefitting from these measures?
Nearly all shops and restaurants are struggling as a direct result of these measures. Business was already difficult because of Covid-19. Since the measures went in, local traders are finding it much harder to make or receive deliveries, have fewer customers, and sales are down.
Are those against the current closures anti-cyclist and pro-car?
No. That’s just propaganda – a way of trying to set up division. We are all in favour of reducing traffic and increasing safety for both cyclists and pedestrians across the area as a whole.
Shouldn’t we at least give these measures a chance to work?
We have. The closures have been in place for more than six months, and it’s clear that traffic hasn’t evaporated – it has just moved to other roads. Now is the time to protest – or we’ll end up stuck forever with a scheme that’s not fit for purpose.