Merton (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A man in his 30s has been charged with multiple offences following a protest against new traffic restrictions on Abbey Road, Wimbledon, Merton.
Following an altercation in Wimbledon’s Abbey Road on March 25, Thomas Bedford, 30, of Seaton Road, Mitcham, was prosecuted.
He was accused of making a public disturbance, wasting police time, malicious communications, criminal damage, attempted criminal damage, and public order offenses.
On April 10, 2025, the 30-year-old will make an appearance at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.
This follows Merton Council‘s implementation of an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) to test a new traffic plan.
The Abbey Road/Station Road and Pincott Road/High Path intersections would be closed to through traffic as part of the proposals. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are used to enforce the non-physical limits.
In response to a September 2023 petition from locals, the council said the modifications are intended to address rat-running in the area.
Merton Council has underlined the importance of peaceful debate and criticism but denounced the abuse of council officials and damage to public property that have accompanied the protests.
To address these instances, the council and police are still working together. A consultation on the traffic strategy is available on the council’s website, and residents are encouraged to take part.
Before a final decision is reached, the trial period may last up to 18 months, including six months for public consultation.
Merton Council said in a statement that although they supported “healthy debate,” there would be “zero tolerance” for criminal activity and that the plan would only continue if the trial was found to be successful.
A spokesperson for Merton Council said:
“A man has been charged by police on a number of counts relating to alleged disorder in the Abbey Road area.
New traffic schemes often divide opinion, and the council welcomes healthy debate. However, the council has zero tolerance when it comes to actions that cross the line into criminal behaviour.
The trial experimental traffic order in the Abbey Road area is the result of a petition by local residents who are concerned about traffic danger, pollution and noise caused by an increase in rat-running.
The scheme will only remain in place if it is deemed to be successful, and that decision will take into account a range of views as well as traffic data on both the affected and surrounding roads.”
How has Merton council addressed the vandalism and harassment incident?
The violence and destruction have been sharply denounced by the council, which has emphasized that such conduct is intolerable and jeopardizes the safety of law enforcement personnel.
Merton Council will take legal action against anyone suspected of breaching the law and has ordered the police to look into these events.
To increase awareness and adherence to the traffic plan, the council is putting up more signs in the area.
To guarantee that all opinions are heard while evaluating the impact of the traffic system, the council invites locals to submit their opinions via a survey, which is available until September 15, 2025.
According to Merton Council’s extensive Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) policy, reports of violence or serious injury are given priority. In order to address ASB, the council collaborates with other organizations and employs a number of tactics, such as victim assistance and mediation.