7 March 2024
Our ref: IRN24117737
Dear Sir/ Madam
Environmental Information Regulations 2004 I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lambeth Council. I have detailed
below the information that is being released to you.
Your request
Please could you provide all relevant emails, meeting minutes, and other
documentation, relating to any discussion on the clarity of the signage and road
decorations related to conveying the message that motor vehicles are not permitted to
pass through the specific control points in the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. In particular
any documentation around considerations of potential confusion from road users, the
pros and cons of such signage decisions, and the potential use of No Entry signs or
alternatives to the "No motor vehicles" sign that has been widely or completely used at
the LTN control points.
Our response
All traffic management designs for the Streatham Wells LTN that include traffic signs
that prohibit motor vehicles and no entry signs are drawn up by the Lambeth Traffic
Order Team using the
Traffic Signs Regulations General Direction (TSRGD).
The design of the schemes is based on the traffic signs manual which offers advice to
traffic authorities and their contractors, designers and managing agents in the United
Kingdom, on the use of traffic signs and road markings on the highway network. Whilst
the Manual can assist with complying with the mandatory requirements, it does not
provide a definitive legal interpretation, nor can it override them. Mandatory
requirements for the installation of regulatory signs are set out in the Traffic Signs
Regulations and General Directions 2016 (as amended) (TSRGD). These documents
are freely available for anyone to view online but to make the restrictions enforceable
the following needs to be adhered too.
General signage
Diagram 619 (no motor vehicles) gives effect to an order which prohibits the use of
motor vehicles and is generally used to remove through traffic out of certain roads for
environmental reasons and where cyclists would not be a hazard to pedestrians
.
Schedule 3 ( 1) gives reference to the colour, type and size of sign. The signs are
compliant insofar as it’s a circular regulatory sign depicting a motor cycle and motor
vehicle.
Part 4 (section 4) highlights that where the sign is placed on a road subject to a speed
limit greater than 20 mph, and is within 50 metres of any lamp which forms part of a
system of street-lighting then the sign needs to be illuminated. London borough of
Lambeth is subject to a 20mph speed limit so the sign does not need to be illuminated.
Diagram 878 (camera sign) is an advisory sign which gives advice to drivers that a
regulatory restriction is enforced by cameras and is compliant.
Part 5 ( 21) allows for the legend / text of the sign shown in TSRDG may be omitted or
varied from the sign or “Speed cameras”, “Average speed check”, “Traffic signal and
speed cameras”, “Traffic enforcement cameras”, “Police cameras”, “Police enforcement
cameras” or “Bus lane cameras”. The sign is therefore compliant as the varying legend
can be omitted.
The emergency services are not permitted to contravene a no entry sign, so No Motor
Vehicle signs were used instead to allow continued access, along with access for
refuge vehicles and service vehicles that need to maintain the highway.
Where visibility of the regulatory signs is restricted, additional signs may be introduced,
in consultation with the council’s enforcement to ensure that there is sufficient
advanced warning on the approach to the restriction. If the signs are clearly visible,
additional advance warning is not required, however the council has endeavoured to
introduce as much advance warning as possible. Furthermore, to enforce the
restriction, only one sign is required to enforce the restriction, however the decision
was also made to double up the signs on both sides of the road to give drivers further
information to driver when approaching the restrictions.
If you are dissatisfied with the way in which your Freedom of Information request has
been dealt with you can request an internal review. Tell us why you are unhappy with
our response within 40 working days, and it will be looked at afresh. We will aim to
provide you with our review response within 20 working days.
By email: xxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx (Please quote the reference number above) or by writing
to:
London Borough of Lambeth
Freedom of Information
PO BOX 80771
LONDON
SW2 9QQ
If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the review you have a further right to
appeal to the Information Commissioner, who regulates the implementation of the
Freedom of Information Act. The Commissioner can be contacted at the following
address:
The Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF.
Telephone: 0330 123 1113
Website:
www.ico.org.uk
I will now close your request as of this date.
Yours faithfully
Complaints and Information's Officer
FOI Team
London Borough of Lambeth
Website:
www.lambeth.gov.uk London Borough of Lambeth
PO Box 80771
London
SW2 9QQ
Lambeth - a Co-operative Council
