London’s Islington Council could be taken to court over what’s been described as “draconian” new traffic restrictions implemented during lockdown.

The website Reaction, run by political commentator Iain Martin reports that a pre-action protocol letter is the first step in a Judicial Review process that could lead to High Court action to have the measures quashed.

The protocol, seen by Reaction, claims that the creation of a mile-long cycle lane on Liverpool Road in central Islington – the southern phase of “Cycleway 38” – did not undergo the proper consultation process or receive proper internal authorisation.

Erik Pagano, who lives on Liverpool Road, co-ordinated the legal action. He told the website, “Islington Council has made major changes to how the road will operate which will have a significant impact on all residents and local businesses. We have not been consulted on this scheme and we should have been”.

“On Saturday afternoon the whole street had full access to the road with residents parking bays outside their houses. But by Monday morning there were double yellow lines, a cycle lane and bollards. This means no parking or access to our houses at any time, and all without any notice or consultation.”

Reaction says that, in a letter circulated to affected residents, Mr Pagano says the change to road use constitutes a “draconian” imposition on the local community.

(Picture – Islington Council Twitter)