London’s Streetspace scheme has been ruled unlawful by the High Court, because it disadvantaged taxi drivers.

Streetspace was designed to create more space for people to safely walk, cycle, scoot or wheel when the coronavirus crisis hit, with temporary cycle lanes and wider pavements among the changes made.

However London’s financial paper City AM reports that in her judgement, Justice Lang said that Transport for London “took advantage of the pandemic” to push through “radical changes” to London’s streets.

The “ill-considered” response to the pandemic saw taxis banned from using bus lanes in order to ply for trade.

City AM quotes Lang as adding that the “the needs of people with protected characteristics, including the elderly or disabled”, were “not considered” when the plans were put in place.

TfL said that it would appeal the judgement, expressing its disappointment at the ruling.

The case was brought by United Trade Action Group (UTAG) and the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA).

Following the review, City AM reports that the Court has now ordered that the Streetspace Plan, Interim Guidance to Boroughs and the A10 Bishopsgate Traffic Order be quashed.

(Picture – Transport for London website about Bishopsgate Streetspace)