Campaigners opposed to low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) implemented by Harrow Council as part of its Streetspace programme hope to see things “start from scratch” as part of a consultation on the matter.

The council announced it would carry out a “full consultation” in March, six months after schemes aimed at encouraging cycling and walking in the borough were introduced.

It has not been confirmed if the schemes will be halted once the consultation is underway, with further details expected at an upcoming traffic and road safety advisory panel.

There has been fierce debate around the impact of the Streetspace programme, with many arguing the LTNs, as well as pop-up cycle lanes and pavement widening measures, have caused more issues than they were intended to solve.

The majority of comments on the council’s feedback portal were against the changes, with many criticising a lack of consultation with residents before they were put in place.

Karen Jolliff, who has spoken against LTNs at public council meetings, said councillors should listen to these views and learn from its mistakes around this subject in the future.

She said: “We would like to see all the schemes removed and a consultation undertaken on the basis of a clean, level playing field.

“Starting from scratch would enable everyone to understand exactly what was being proposed, would reset the process and give people a renewed faith that their opinion is valued.”

Ms Jolliff said the overwhelmingly negative response to the LTNs in Harrow shows the “distress and anxiety” they have caused and suggested this will continue unless changes are made.

She added any alternative suggestions have been pushed aside due to the council’s insistence that it should follow the initial process put in place.

“The Streetspace programme and the council’s approach has revealed a flaw in the democratic process where an ideology of a small group of people can be imposed on the majority though the opportunistic exploitation of a health emergency,” she said.

Harrow Council has consistently defended its approach to the Streetspace measures, noting it acted upon government advice in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And councillors have frequently stressed they are listening to residents’ views, as shown by changes to allow emergency vehicles better access.

They added the schemes were always intended to be part of ongoing trials, with monthly reviews leading up to a wider assessment after six months.