The reasons we believe this to be the case are as the following:

1. Consultation under Covid-19 lockdown/pandemic – We are concerned that fair and transparent consultation have NOT taken place, this includes the following:

a. Languages of the consultation are in English with no access for people with other languages (no translations), and does not reflect the rich & diverse background and needs of the borough

b. Access to technology – Consultation has mostly taken place online, which requires access to a computer / smart phone or internet, as a borough which has high tech poverty, this is unfair to those with such an impact on their lives. Previously on various occasions the council has promoted residents to go to idea stores to gain internet access. Due to the shutdown of idea stores, this avenue has not been possible. This has therefore been unreachable and as a consequence, unfair to those who are impacted in their lives.

c. Understandable no face to face consultation sessions, if there are few that have taken place, which has resulted in residents not able to attend due to isolating, fear of Covid-19 and access to centre.

d. Overall consultation methods are inadequate and only reach those that sign up to council E-newsletters, bulletins & communication.

2. Lobby by interest group – certain interest group are using this as a push for their agenda and are actively using this as a way to push their divisive agenda and gentrification of this beautiful diverse borough

3. Divisive scheme – We have seen news of protests and bullying (heated online an on-streets) amongst neighbours and friends and is making our borough more divided than united specially in a time of need

4. Businesses – Our small businesses are at a terrible stage due to Covid-19, this further adds more barriers for their business footfall or access leading to further lost trade.

5. Drivers – As much as parents prefer to walk their children to schools, some have extenuating circumstances (due to disability, family responsibilities, care etc) who require their cars on occasion to drop their children to school. Furthermore, some drivers require their cars, for family shopping and require access to their streets without having to join the already congested main roads.

6. Main road networks – Our A-Roads are being congested (including new bus lane rules), as more and more side roads are being closed/changed – this only adds more pollution on those roads, as their standing still and coasting on the roads. The main artery roads across our borough are already congested, this will further add congestion, road rage and pollution.

7. Cost of the scheme – this has doubled specially at a time where cost saving is required and needs for our services (youth, adult social care) is greater.

We strongly believe and care about the air pollution in our borough and around our schools. We care for our neighbours and our community, and this was highlighted during the pandemic, however we strongly believe we need to find alternative ways to tackle those challenges and with real consultation from our community from all walks of life with barriers, hindrance or fear.

We strongly urge this council to stop or delay this scheme and conduct a thorough impact assessment and a fair consultation process open to all.

This Petition ran from 08/12/2020 to 31/01/2021 and has now finished.

2176 people signed this Petition.