Transport for London wins approval from the Streetspace program


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The policy was described as “seriously flawed” when it was introduced as illegal, but City Hall is now delighted

Sadiq Khan welcomed an “affirmation of our policies” after he and Transport for London obtained an appeals court ruling overturning a previous decision that their Streetspace program was illegally implemented.

In January, groups representing London taxi drivers successfully challenged the policy giving priority to bicycles, pedestrians and buses in street space and its specific implementation on Bishopsgate in the City of London, claiming it harmed their trade.

The highly critical judgment of the High Court described Streetspace as “seriously flawed”, described the measures used as “extreme” and went “beyond what was reasonably necessary to meet the temporary challenges of the pandemic”.

Today’s repeal of this ruling pleased the City Hall as the Mayor said that, combined with the result of last month’s mayoral election, “represents a dual mandate that will allow us to continue our courageous actions. Our changes to Bishopsgate make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This central London project is at the heart of the work we did across the capital during my first term.

The three appellate judges said they will publish their full verdict at a later date, but have already overruled the January Supreme Court decision. The Black Cab organizations – the Association of Licensed Taxi Drivers and the United Trade Action Group – could still appeal to the Supreme Court.

The High Court judge condemned Streetspace for trying to “take advantage of the pandemic” without giving due consideration to the injustices alleged for it, saying, “It is no exaggeration to say that many disabled people without taxi services simply do not Could make trips that are important to them. “

But Khan said today, “Our world-leading street space programs are helping to protect the health of Londoners and this decision reinforces my determination to make walking and cycling safer and easier for Londoners and a green and sustainable recovery from the pandemic . “

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About Nina Snider

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