A mum whose child was hurt when they were hit by a car is pressing for a controversial low-traffic zone to be kept so her street feels safe.

Hayley Jeffery is campaigning for the low traffic-neighbourhood (LTN) trial in West Greenwich to be permanent after her family’s ordeal. The decision on whether to keep the scheme will be made by Greenwich Council later this week.

The mum-of-two said before the low-traffic zone was in place, her narrow street was busy with cars which used to shake the foundation of the house and drove inches from her front door.

But that all changed when the LTN trial was introduced in September 2020. Cars were blocked from going down certain residential roads to curb congestion and pollution, and improve road safety.

This Is Local London: These road blockades - known as modal filters - have been set up in places across West Greenwich to keep traffic off residential roads (Kiro Evans)These road blockades - known as modal filters - have been set up in places across West Greenwich to keep traffic off residential roads (Kiro Evans)

Opponents to the scheme say its been a “disaster” that’s only worked in the interests of a “privileged few”, while supporters are hailing the safer and less congested residential roads outside their homes.

Hayley says her child were hit by a car three years ago in Greenwich, leaving them unconscious. They recovered after hospital treatment.

She told a council meeting last month: “In 2019, my child was hit by a car in East Greenwich and as a family we will never forget the horror of that day. We would hate for a family to go through what we did. I fear a decision to scrap the West Greenwich LTN would be asking for more of the same or worse.

She later added: “When we got a letter about the LTN, I literally cried with relief as these people racing past your front door was a constant reminder. We can breath a sigh of relief that we’re safe, that we can let kids step out the front door without worrying.

“To remove the West Greenwich LTN would be cruel and dangerous. Children’s safety trumps all.”

The issue has divided residents. Local group One Greenwich, which is campaigning against LTNs, said: “The approach to mitigating traffic and environmental problems across Greenwich has been a disaster from the start, from lack of consultation to the implementation of ill thought out schemes, which benefit the few to the detriment of many.

“The council must act in the best interest of all residents, not just a privileged few, and address the social injustice West Greenwich LTNs have caused, resulting in displaced traffic and pollution being pushed onto boundary roads containing an abundance of social housing. LTNs are not a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Greenwich Council declined to comment as the LTN scheme was still going through a consultation. A decision will be made by Friday (February 25).

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