By now many folks interested in LTNs and better streets will have seen the data coming out from Railton and (rightfully) celebrating. But where does this leave the schemes opponents?

Here are my thoughts...

It is totally understandable to be afraid of the unknown, to question authority and to be wary of change.

Those who have opposed the Railton LTN up until this point have been doing that and, if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ve all been there.

I’m an anxious person, so I know what it’s like to imagine worst case scenarios and start acting like that’s what’s definitely going to happen.

I know how it feels to be afraid of an eventuality that I can foresee and others can’t — it totally sucks.

Now, we all know that lots of opponents to Lambeth’s LTNs have not been acting in good faith.

But some have. Some have been genuinely concerned about what these changes could bring to their neighbours.

My hope is that this data provides those folk some comfort.

Because what we’ve seen today is proof that the worst case scenario isn’t coming to pass. Drivers aren’t flocking to different roads. Boundary roads aren’t at a standstill. People are cycling.

I hope in response, we see some opponents let go of some of their (justified) anxiety and look at the LTNs with hope.

And as far as supporters are concerned — this is not a time for I told you so’s.

This is a time to invite people to join us in imagining a better neighbourhood