High Court judge rejects challenge to £27m "mini-Holland" cycling scheme

A High Court judge has dismissed a judicial review challenge over the introduction of a so-called ‘mini-Holland’ cycling scheme in north-east London.

Waltham Forest Council secured £27m in funding from Transport for London in 2014 for the project, which is intended to make the borough more cycle friendly and encourage more people to take up cycling and walking.

The E17Streets4All campaign group brought legal proceedings, with its grounds of challenge including a submission that the council’s consultation was unlawful.

However, Mr Justice Holgate this month rejected the claim in the High Court. The Evening Standard reported the judge as saying that there was “no merit whatsoever” in the challenge, the parties had been able to make their concerns known and that the issues raised had been given careful consideration.

The judge refused permission to appeal and ordered the claimants to pay £10,000 in costs.

A spokesperson for Waltham Forest said: “When someone mounts a court action against the council we have little option but to defend our legal position, particularly when legal advice indicates that the case against us is very weak.

“We made every effort to ensure that this case did not have to get to court, but in the event the claimants would not withdraw their claim. The total costs incurred in mounting our legal defence are still to be calculated, but we are pleased that the Court awarded us costs to assist.”