Low Traffic Neighbourhood
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A Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) is a scheme implemented to reduce through traffic in residential areas through the use of filtered permeability and traffic calming.
LTNs can be implemented through the use of barriers such as bollards, boom barriers and planters, though can also be implemented virtually through the use of automatic number-plate recognition cameras and road signs, which can allow residential motor access while prohibiting passing motor traffic.[1]
History
During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21, 72 low-traffic neighbourhoods with modal filters were rolled out under emergency legislation in London, covering a population of around 300,000. Waltham Forest had previously introduced a number of LTNs between 2015 and 2019.[2]
Impact
Traffic
LTNs were implemented in Waltham Forest in 2014. A study by climate charity Possible found that in 2016 on three LTN 'boundary roads' recorded increases of traffic between around 2.6% and 28.3%. Two of the three roads were within the 'normal' range for recent fluctuations in traffic flow. For Sherhall Street, the only road studied that registered an increase, it was found that the 2016 traffic count was around the same as the 2009 traffic count for this road.[3]
Emergency vehicles
A 2020 study of the impact of the Waltham Forest LTN in London found no evidence that fire brigade emergency response times were affected inside LTNs and some evidence that they improved slightly on boundary roads, despite a perception among fire crews that traffic calming was the cause of some delays.[4] A 2021 study in Findings journal examined the impact of 72 LTNs in London on fire brigade emergency response times. It found no evidence that response times were affected for both LTNs that use physical barriers and those that use camera enforcement.[2]
Criticism
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Modal filters and low-traffic neighbourhoods have sometimes been criticised for a number of reasons. The British motoring magazine Auto Express criticised the schemes for their levels of cost, calling them a "waste of money". Other criticisms include high fines and a lack of consultation in implementing the scheme.[5]
In the UK, the implementation of low-traffic neighbourhoods has been compared to Brexit in its divisiveness.[6][7][8] The schemes have caused protests in multiple cities by anti-LTN activists.[9][10]
See also
References
- ^ Aldred, Rachel; Croft, Joseph (2019-03-01). "Evaluating active travel and health economic impacts of small streetscape schemes: An exploratory study in London". Journal of Transport & Health. 12: 86–96. doi:10.1016/j.jth.2018.11.009. ISSN 2214-1405.
- ^ a b Goodman, Anna; Laverty, Anthony A.; Thomas, Asa; Aldred, Rachel (2021-05-11). "The Impact of 2020 Low Traffic Neighbourhoods on Fire Service Emergency Response Times, in London, UK". Findings: 23568. doi:10.32866/001c.23568.
- ^ Aldred and Verlinghieri (2020). LTNs for all?. Possible.
- ^ Goodman, Anna; Laverty, Anthony A.; Aldred, Rachel (2020-12-15). "The Impact of Introducing a Low Traffic Neighbourhood on Fire Service Emergency Response Times, in Waltham Forest London". Findings: 18198. doi:10.32866/001c.18198.
- ^ "Exclusive: the high cost of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods". Auto Express. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
- ^ "Local traffic changes 'more divisive than Brexit'". BBC News. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
- ^ ""It's our Brexit": Will low traffic neighbourhoods affect the local election results?". www.newstatesman.com. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
- ^ Huq, Rupa (2020-11-22). "I've been lobbied on Syria bombing and Brexit in my time but nothing has inflamed like LTNs". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
- ^ "Hundreds protest over Oxford Low Traffic Neighbourhoods". BBC News. 2021-06-20. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
- ^ Ambrose, Tom (2021-05-20). "Rolling rota of protesters rebel against 'cash cow' LTN in Croydon". www.standard.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-06-27.