Southwark Council employees subjected Transport for London (TfL) to ‘abuse’ leaving them “upset and in tears”, according to internal emails obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
The News understands Southwark Council employees were unhappy about a TfL report which said the Dulwich Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) was the ‘root cause’ of congestion on Croxted and Norwood roads.
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In August, emails revealed councillors had repeatedly criticised the report’s “unproven” assertions. One council officer feared its inflammatory content would be “like a red rag to a bull”.
Days after the report was distributed against the wishes of Dulwich Village councillors – long-time proponents of the LTN – a fiery meeting appears to have taken place between TfL and Southwark.
In an internal email from TfL’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman to Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks, Streets and Clean Air, on July 22, he wrote: “I also heard that there was a meeting last night where two of the TfL team were subject to a lot of abuse and were left upset and in tears. This is obviously completely unacceptable if this is the case. Were you aware of this?”
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Despite council claims that its relationship with TfL remains “positive and productive”, there are fears that cooperation is deteriorating.
Clive Rates and Tristan Honeyborne, former Tory candidates for Dulwich Village, said: “Southwark Council’s relationship with TfL is critical for delivering for Southwark residents – but now appears to be yet another casualty of the failed Dulwich LTN.
“It’s time for Council leader Kieron Williams to show leadership – firstly, to urgently investigate what has happened here, publish the results and hold to account anyone who has behaved inappropriately, and secondly to explain to residents how Southwark Labour will rebuild trust with TfL.”
Will Norman said follow-up meetings reconfirmed their commitment to working together: “Southwark Council is doing excellent work to make walking and cycling easier and safer in the borough. I am pleased that after the matter was resolved Southwark, TfL and myself were able to follow up with a series of meetings reconfirming our commitment to working together. Boroughs like Southwark are valued partners whose collaboration is vital to building a greener and safer London.”
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Southwark Council were asked who attended the meeting and whether councillors or council officers had subjected TfL staff to the ‘abuse’.
Cllr Rose would not elaborate on these points, saying: “During a meeting, in a series of many productive and constructive meetings, there was a frank discussion about the interpretation of one source of data. I understand that apologies for any offence caused were swiftly made and accepted by all those involved.”
Heather Preen, TfL’s Head of Local Communities and Partnerships, said: “London’s boroughs play a vital role in making walking, cycling and using public transport easier and safer for everyone. We enjoy a good working relationship with Southwark and discussions about walking and cycling schemes are an important part of ensuring that changes to London’s roads work for everyone.
“Ensuring the safety and welfare of everyone who works at TfL is a top priority and we work closely with all stakeholders to set out our expectations of how meetings and other external events are managed. This helps ensure that meetings are held in a professional way, creating a positive working environment for all involved.”