Furious motorists got their own back at councillors who backed a six-month trial of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) in their city – by blocking them in their own car park.
Pranksters in Bath, Somerset, got their revenge by blocking the entrance to the car park of the city’s Guildhall, which is used by councillors.
The stunt saw the car park become inaccessible thanks to two large planters, which were shoved into place in the middle of the road.
Over 200 LTNs were installed across the UK between 2020 and 2022. They often use wooden planters and bollards to block off roads, while maintaining through-access for bicycles and pedestrians
The locals’ revenge wasn’t long-lived however, as the planters were eventually removed by council workers.
Pranksters in Bath, Somerset, got their revenge on councillors who backed a local LTN by blocking the entrance to the car park of the city’s Guildhall
The stunt is thought to have been a protest in response to the city’s six-month trial of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTN)
The post has since received over 1,800 likes and more than 90 comments from locals who expressed their support for the ‘direct action’
The images of the revenge stunt were shared yesterday with the caption: ‘Today someone put some planters across the entrance of the councillors’ free car park at the rear of Bath’s Guildhall.
‘While we don’t condone this action, perhaps it gave the councillors a taste of what having an unwanted LTN can feel like. The planters were soon moved.’
The post has since received over 1,800 likes and more than 90 comments from locals who expressed their support for the ‘direct action’ retaliation taken against the council.
One user said: ‘Why do councillors let the power go to their heads and ignore what the electorate wants.’
Another added: ‘I very much approve of ‘direct action’ it’s all that remains when democracy is ignored by an unrepresentative, agenda-obsessed minority.’
A third replied: ‘It’s different when it’s done to them. They always make sure whatever they do does not affect them.’
A fourth wrote: ‘you could keep moving them back until they move the ones you want moving – so hypocritical of them.’
Planters were installed in the city by Bath and North East Somerset Council in November to restrict the movement of cars along certain roads as part of the trial scheme.
A decision about whether to make the changes permanent is expected to come in May when the six-month trial ends.
Many locals have spoken out claiming the scheme makes it difficult for them to navigate the city and a number of others have taken to social media to express their concerns.
The stunt garnered a large amount of attention online from social media users who found the irony of it hilarious.