A butcher in Kings Heath, Birmingham, has claimed the area’s low traffic scheme cost his business £30,000.
John Hems joined Martin Daubney on GB News to lament the scheme which he believes has slashed footfall in his shop.
The Kings Heath Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) was made permanent in 2022 in a bid to reduce air pollution.
It led to the pedestrianisation of York Road and prevents cars using several roads.
John Hems has hit out at the scheme
PA / GB NEWS
Hems raged on GB News that the decision lacks “common sense” and other business owners within the LTN’s vicinity are suffering.
“No one has done a consultation in three and a half years to ask the business owners how they are doing”, he said.
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“We have lots of business closing. They have just put new plans out, they are closing all the roads on the other side which would make it three and a half times more roads closing.
“All the shops are up in arms about it.
“I chair the Kings Heath Business Association, representing 190 businesses.
“It is absolutely terrible what they are doing.”
John Hems joined Martin Daubney on GB News
GB NEWS
Asked by Martin about potential solutions to the problem, Hems said local authorities need to consult businesses.
“I would like them to reconsider and ask the businesses what they want”, he said.
“You’ve got businesses wanting to move out, there’s no where to park and you have to walk miles to get to these places.
“They haven’t got an ounce of common sense. It hasn’t even increased the footfall or cycling.
“It is just a matter of do-gooders. Consultation is all we want.”
A statement from the Birmingham City Council read: “While there has been local support for this scheme, it is recognised that there have been issues with larger vehicles needing to reverse along sections of these residential streets.
“A proposed new arrangement of one-way streets and diagonal modal filters will continue to ensure that through-traffic is unable to cut through this area, while enabling access to all properties without the need to turn around or reverse.”
