Low traffic neighborhoods (LTNs) have sparked more controversy after female Uber passengers called them an attack on personal safety.
Women are forced to walk alone through the streets late at night in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham following the council’s decision to introduce an LTN zone which prevents Uber drivers from outside the borough from entering the zone due to the risk of fines.
While black cabs are exempt from fines, Uber has yet to find a solution with the city council. As a result, passengers are dropped off on bordering roads and must walk home alone, which can often take more than 20 minutes.
Made in Chelsea star Tabitha Willett, 32, visiting a private members club in south Fulham, is one of many women forced to walk home late at night.
“My club is within the LTN South Fulham,” he said. ‘But many Uber drivers refuse to drive, which means we have to walk in the dark and in the rain. It is a great inconvenience. “I blame the council for introducing the LTN,” he said. The Telegraph.
Made in Chelsea star Tabitha Willet (pictured) branded the LTN a major “inconvenience” after she was forced to walk home in the dark.
Elsewhere, Hillary Cannon, owner of Barrefly, a fitness business on New Kings Road, spoke out about LTN and took action on her own.
On Instagram, Hillary said: “Stop scrolling if you’re a woman living in Fulham.”
He continued: “There is currently a camera scheme underway in Fulham neighborhoods, in a number of them, but today I wanted to talk about the neighborhood specifically around the one near Wandsworth Bridge Road.”
“This camera system fines cars that circulate on the streets if they are not registered for it,” he continued.
“And as a result of this plan, Uber is now refusing to drop women off at their doorsteps and is instead dropping them off at the top of Parson’s Green and other points far from their homes, forcing them to walk home alone in the middle of the street. night.
He added: ‘So, I have written to the council to complain about this. Other women have written to the city council to complain. We’re getting nowhere, so I guess, as always, it’s up to us.
Hillary explained her intended response: ‘This is what I’m doing. I’m opening a WhatsApp group specifically for young women who live in the neighborhood.
“So if you’re one of them, if you know any, spread this video and join us.”
‘My hope is that if you come home late at night and are afraid they will leave you at the top of the main road and force you to walk home.
Hillary Cannon, owner of Barrefly, a fitness business on New Kings Road, has taken steps of her own to prevent women from feeling unsafe in the area.
‘Maybe you can ping this group and see if anyone else is in the same position. Maybe we can get some numerical strength to prevent another attack.
Hillary concluded, “I guess it’s up to us ladies.” I’m furious that I have to make this video, but here we are.’
The post racked up more than 2,000 likes. She captioned the video: ‘Please watch this video. Then share this video and tag anyone you know who may be affected by this scheme, and if that person is you, please join us.
“This is about the safety of women in our neighborhood, an issue we are very concerned about.”
A wooden bollard in Oxford was cut in April in the row above low-traffic neighborhoods.
Bollards have been placed on a street in Cowley, near Oxford, to create a low-traffic neighborhood
A motorcyclist appears next to planters on the LTN on Evering Road in Hackney, east London.
A council spokesperson told The Telegraph that it has been more than three years since they first offered Uber free access through the streets of Fulham without the threat of fines to allow residents to be dropped off at home.
However, they claimed that Uber’s data protection laws prevent them from sharing their drivers’ license plates.
While they believe a solution can be achieved, they urged Uber to reconsider its technicalities.
A Hammersmith and Fulham council spokesperson told MailOnline: “It’s been over three years since we first offered Uber free access through the cameras to allow residents to be picked up and dropped off at home.” We told Uber that this simply requires a technical solution on their part.
‘Uber has said there are data protection issues preventing them from sharing their drivers’ license plates. We are confident that these issues can be resolved, but we need Uber to agree to meet with us on a technical level, something they have not done so far. “We continue to push to make this happen.”
An Uber spokesperson said: “At Uber we know we have a responsibility to help ensure everyone gets home safe and sound.”
“We are aware of these concerns and are continuing discussions with Hammersmith and Fulham Council to try to find a workable solution for both drivers and local residents.”