All roads blocked off to traffic as part of Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes in Sutton could soon be replaced with ANPR cameras.

The move was revealed by Sutton Council’s deputy leader councillor Manuel Abellan at a meeting on Monday night (January 11).

The councillor with a special responsibility for climate change was asked whether emergency services have been impacted by roads in five areas of Sutton where LTNs were introduced.

Cllr Abellan said: “During the trial operations of the schemes the emergency services have at some points raised issues with us and where that has happened we’ve met with them on site and they’ve suggested amendments such as moving planters.

“We will be recommending on January 28 that all road closures are upgraded to ANPR cameras to facilitate emergency access.”

This will mean that planters in the roads will be replaced with cameras, with drivers being fined for entering the zone.

Opposition councillor Neil Garratt said: “Cllr Abellan is simultaneously saying that there was no problem with access but also saying we will spend a lot of money replacing all the bollards with cameras to make it easier to get through.

“Once again we have this Trumpian claim that you are trying to solve a problem that you created.”

The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s Sustainable Transport Committee on Thursday, January 28 at 7pm which will be held online.