What is an LTN and how can it make your city a better place to live

Low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are a type of traffic control scheme that see through roads closed to motor vehicles with the intention of reducing traffic and pollution by encouraging people to walk or cycle, or forcing people to drive down larger, arterial routes instead. Generally a LTN is created by closing off one end of a residential street to car traffic using bollards and planter boxes. Pedestrians and cyclists can still access the street, and residents can still enter from the other end but drivers looking to take a shortcut are forced to use alternate routes.

LTNs have been implemented in many cities across the UK as part of active travel policy adoption, but they have also sparked fierce opposition, especially from drivers.

However much drivers protest that these LTN restrictions cause them inconvenience or delay, the fact is that LTNs improve quality of life in cities improving local air quality and boosting resident's health.

Cars (even electric ones) are responsible for the emission of harmful pollutants, greenhouse gases and particulates. Air pollution is a serious public health issue that causes thousands of premature deaths and chronic diseases every year in the UK. According to a study by King's College London, LTNs in London reduced local nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels by up to 23% and particulate matter (PM2.5) levels by up to 9% within six months of implementation. These reductions are significant for the health of residents, especially children, elderly and vulnerable people who are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.

By removing through traffic, LTNs provide a safe space for people to walk or cycle in their neighbourhoods. Walking and cycling are proven to have positive impacts on cardiovascular health, obesity prevention, stress reduction and mood enhancement. Transport for London found that 57% of residents living in LTNs reported walking more and 32% reported cycling more since the introduction of LTNs. The double benefit of having cleaner air to breathe and doing more exercise offers an obvious improvement in the quality of life.

A common objection to LTNs is that they disproportionately benefit privileged people who live on quieter residential streets, while pushing traffic and pollution towards poorer people who live on busier roads. 

That may be true initially, however the intention of LTNs is to reduce overall motor traffic, not just displace it. By making it harder for drivers to use residential streets as shortcuts, LTNs can discourage unnecessary car trips and encourage mode shifts to walking, cycling or public transport. This reduction in overall traffic volumes will be of benefit everywhere, not just in the LTNs themselves.

Poorer households who are much less likely to own and use cars but still suffer the impact of their dominance of cities. According to the Department for Transport, only 52% of households in the lowest income quintile own a car, compared to 88% in the highest income quintile. Improvements in public transport resulting from greater usage will especially benefit these residents. Poorer households are more likely to be located closer to the main roads where they are mostly found, resulting in lower air quality in homes and more pedestrian involvement in road accidents.

LTNs are not imposed without consultation or consent. They are funded by the government but implemented by local authorities who have to follow statutory guidance and engage with residents and stakeholders before, during and after the introduction of LTNs. 

LTNs do not block or restrict access for cars or taxis. They only prevent through traffic from using residential streets as rat runs. No address is cut off or isolated by LTNs. Residents, visitors, deliveries and emergency services can still access any property within an LTN by using alternative routes. Shops and businesses located on these streets remain as accessible as before.

Arguments about LTNs being undemocratic or preventing householders from accessing their properties is manifestly wrong. The inconvenience of a handful of drivers is a minor concern when weighed against the many and demonstrable benefits of LTNs.