Council scraps confusing ‘open’ signs on roads closed to vehicles

A COUNCIL has been forced to scrap “confusing” signs that declare “road open” despite them being closed to cars to create low traffic neighbourhoods.

Tower Hamlets fitted eight green signs to planters stating roads were open to wheelchair users, pedestrians, cyclists and scooters on newly created cul-de-sacs.

The unofficial signs, invented by a pro-cycling campaigner, were placed on planters shutting roads to cars in the east London borough. But, residents complained they were confusing as some motorists said they had been unfairly fined because they obeyed the “road open” signs despite other signs saying the roads were closed to cars.

The council is the latest borough to abandon the £15 signs after disabled people challenged at tribunals £130 fines issued to them after they had entered roads closed to traffic.

Blue Badge holders have complained that despite seeing red signs banning cars they then saw the green “road open to (wheelchair user sign)” and so thought they were granted access.

An email from a council official to a resident who complained said “all of the signs in question that face oncoming traffic and can cause confusion have been removed”.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets said: “If anyone has been fined and feels any signage has caused them confusion, there are procedures to challenge the fine and present their case to the council.” Peter Golds, leader of the Conservative group at Tower Hamlets, said: “The council has been forced to remove this unauthorised signage which confused residents and road users.

“The council is fully aware of what signage is and is not permitted, and these signs should not have been put up in the first place.

“Local residents have filmed the council’s planters blocking ambulances which have had to reverse before taking alternative routes when responding to emergency calls.

“We need a full review of the impact the council’s planters are having on our emergency services ability to respond quickly to 999 calls.”

The introduction of so-called “low traffic neighbourhoods” has divided public opinion with pro-cycling groups insisting they make streets safer for cyclists while some campaigners claim they were introduced undemocratically and shift car congestion and pollution to poorer areas.

The council spokesman added: “The council has a Liveable Streets programme which seeks to improve our streets so that they are greener and calmer for residents to walk, cycle, and get around safely. Liveable Streets proposals are thoroughly consulted on with residents and the council monitors their operation to ensure they are working for residents.

“Liveable Streets differ from LTNs as the primary focus for LTNs is traffic reduction, while Liveable Streets aims to make enhancements to the areas and includes investments such as cycle hangars, electric vehicle charging points, pocket parks and improvements to pavements and street environment.”