16 October

Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are not a new thing, they have been around since the 1970s. Although, in spring 2020, the Government announced mass funding toward LTNs in the capital, which led to the London Mayor’s plan towards making 80% of all trips by active or sustainable modes by 2041.

What is a low traffic neighbourhood?

They are designed to stop residential streets being used as short cuts for drivers, which is done by blocking the roads off. They do this by using bollards, barriers, road signs or flowerbeds. Some LTNs use automatic number plate recognition cameras instead of using physical barriers so that residents of the street can access the road by car, and it is possible to walk and cycle down the road. LTNs are at first temporary to collect data before making them permanent fixtures.

In 2021 almost 7.5 million fines were issued to drivers in London, this was largely down to new LTNs.

The LTNs helps to lower the number of vehicles on the road which is part of the government’s goal to cut C02 emissions, reduce air pollution, noise pollution, and road accidents.

Benefits

• Helps to reduce air and noise pollution.
• Encourages people to walk and cycle.
• They make the streets safe as most streets in the capital were not made for the number of cars that are now on the streets. By reducing access to residential areas, this will reduce the potential for collisions with pedestrians.
• Crime rates have fallen in areas that has LTNs.
• Make it easier for emergency service vehicles to get to their destination, however there is also some data that disputes this.
• There have been positive reviews from residents in LTN areas.
• Claims of increased social interactions between neighbours.
• Local businesses gaining more customers as people are physically walking past and taking in their surroundings instead of driving and just focusing on the road, however this is also disputed by others.

Downfalls

• It has been said that the LTNs push out traffic on to the main roads, which is obstructing emergency services and holding up people that drive for a living.
• Miles driven has increased in areas where LTNs are in place, creating hotspots of traffic. This has led to people spending more times in their vehicle creating more emissions.
• One businessperson in London has said LTNs have led to his bar being repossessed, due to the LTNs making it more difficult for customers and staff to get to the bar and this includes being unable to get tradesmen to come and work on the property.

Why is the prime minister ordering a review?

The prime minister has told the Sunday Telegraph that these policies are “quite anti-motorist” and has ordered a formal review on the LTNs schemes. The PM has ordered the formal review to check if LTNs are causing congestion and if they obstruct the movement of emergency vehicles and people who drive for a living. He wants to evaluate not only their impact on the local areas that they are in place, but also the effectiveness of the scheme.

What are your thoughts on LTNs? Do you think they have a positive impact on the local communities or a negative one?


Written by: Amy Johnson

*Please note that the above information has been gathered through secondary research. The information provided is not based on our opinion. You should seek further guidance and information before making an informed decision.

Sources
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/low-traffic-neighbourhood-ltn-london-b1083328.html
https://news.sky.com/story/rishi-sunak-orders-review-of-low-traffic-neighbourhoods-and-says-hes-on-the-side-of-motorists-12930344
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/low-traffic-neighbourhoods-what-are-they-and-will-they-appear-nationwide/
https://www.energylivenews.com/2023/07/31/prime-minister-vows-to-fight-anti-car-schemes-im-on-your-side/