Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have been a topic of debate in the UK, with supporters claiming they provide safer and cleaner spaces, while critics argue they simply push congestion elsewhere. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ordered a review into the effectiveness of LTNs, raising questions about their future.
What are Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs)?
LTNs were created as part of a government-funded scheme to provide traffic-free spaces across the UK. The aim was to promote more active lifestyles, such as walking and cycling, following the Covid-19 pandemic. Cities like Birmingham, Bristol, London, Oxford, and Southampton have adopted LTNs.
However, despite this being a Conservative policy initially, Sunak now appears to be supporting drivers and their use of cars. He has ordered a review into how LTNs are working, but it is unclear what could happen to them as part of this review.
Do LTNs work?
Supporters argue that LTNs have drastically improved the quality of life for residents in terms of reducing congestion and creating safer streets. They believe that LTNs discourage non-local traffic from using residential areas as shortcuts, making the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
On the other hand, critics claim that LTNs generate more problems than they solve. They argue that local traffic is negatively affected, and congestion is simply pushed to other areas. Additionally, there is suspicion that LTNs are being used as revenue-raising tools through fines triggered by numberplate-recognition cameras.
The effectiveness of LTNs is a subject of debate, with conflicting studies and data. One study commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) showed an increase in miles driven within 10 inner-London LTNs compared to areas without LTNs. This suggests that LTNs may be displacing vehicles onto streets not covered by them.
However, a report by Imperial College London found that traffic levels within LTNs had fallen by 44%. The University of Westminster’s Active Travel Academy also conducted a survey of 46 LTNs and found that average traffic levels within LTNs had declined by 46.9%. While some boundary roads experienced a rise in traffic, the overall impact was a reduction in traffic.
Professor Rachel Aldred, director of the Active Travel Academy, stated that LTNs have substantial benefits within their boundaries and can contribute to wider traffic reduction goals.
The Future of LTNs
Despite the mixed evidence and public opinion, some councils are determined to keep and even increase the number of LTNs. However, there have been cases where councils have scrapped LTNs due to opposition from motorists and residents.
The review ordered by Sunak will shed light on the effectiveness of LTNs and potentially determine their future. It remains to be seen whether the government will make changes to LTNs, such as altering their parameters or removing them entirely.
Conclusion
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) were introduced as part of a government-funded scheme to create safer and cleaner spaces in the UK. While supporters argue that LTNs have improved the quality of life for residents, critics claim they push congestion elsewhere and generate more problems than they solve.
The effectiveness of LTNs is a subject of debate, with conflicting studies and data. Some studies suggest that LTNs displace traffic onto other streets, while others show a reduction in traffic within LTNs. The review ordered by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will provide more clarity on the impact of LTNs.
The future of LTNs is uncertain, with some councils determined to keep and expand them, while others have scrapped them due to opposition. The review will likely influence the government’s decision on whether to make changes to LTNs or remove them entirely.
Overall, LTNs have sparked a significant debate about the balance between promoting active lifestyles and addressing traffic congestion. The review will play a crucial role in shaping the future of LTNs in the UK.