The incident has forced the road to close, and a large number of emergency services are at the scene.
It is understood the man may be trying to block or obstruct a traffic enforcement camera linked to the new scheme.
Councillor Stuart Neaverson said on socail media “There are now 12 emergency vehicles on site to deal with this.
“Not only is he wasting the time of our vital first responders, but he’s shut down the road he was claiming he was desperate to keep open.
“It’s embarrassing and illegal.”
The protest comes as Merton Council begins trialling a new traffic scheme under an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO).
The proposals involve closing the junctions of Abbey Road/Station Road and Pincott Road/High Path to through traffic. The restrictions are not physical and are enforced using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
The council says the changes aim to tackle rat-running in the area following a petition from residents in September 2023.
The trial period allows for six months of public consultation and could run for up to 18 months in total before a final decision is made.
One enforcement camera was damaged last week, and civil enforcement officers have reported being harassed while on duty.
In a statement, Merton Council said: “Merton Council strongly condemns the recent acts of vandalism and violence that have taken place linked to the Experimental Traffic Management Order in Abbey Road.
“The council’s civil enforcement officers have been accosted and harassed while carrying out their duties, which puts their safety at risk, and is completely unacceptable.
“Damage to public property and enforcement cameras not only hinders the ability to monitor the scheme effectively, it also incurs significant costs, diverting valuable resources that could be better spent improving local infrastructure and services.
“This also compromises the safety and accessibility of routes for emergency services and local residents.
“The council understands that changes to local roads can be challenging, and recognises that some residents are frustrated by the new measures.
“These changes were introduced following a petition from residents in the affected area, and the council remains committed to listening to feedback.
The council is installing additional signage in the area and encourages everyone to share their views through our survey.”
The survey remains open until September 15, 2025. Emergency services continue to manage the scene on Abbey Road, and the situation is ongoing.
We have approached London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police and Merton Council for further comment.
