10 ways to make Low Traffic Neighbourhoods a success, according to residents

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has released the findings of a survey it has undertaken with residents living in Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Birmingham and London.

The independent researchers consulted with 100 people in Lozells and the London boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth where LTNs were introduced during the first lockdown.

In addition to Lozells there is also an LTN scheme in Kings Heath in Birmingham with “early measures” being introduced in Mosley, Castle Vale and Bournville, with plans to extend the Bournville one before the end of the year.

A spokesperson for NatCen said: “Residents want to see thorough engagement with local communities at proposal stage, and a more sensitive and gradual introduction of schemes, alongside additional measures to make it easier to get around without driving.

“The new study is designed to help ensure that lessons are learned from LTNs introduced during the first COVID-19 lockdown.

“The Government’s Net Zero Strategy and the COP26 summit reaffirmed the urgency of tackling traffic pollution, which is set to be a big topic of discussion heading into local elections next May.

“Despite the wide range of views on LTNs, residents largely agreed on key recommendations for securing public support for future active travel schemes”

Here are the recommendations:

Consultation and engagement

1.   Local authorities to engage with LTN residents, boundary residents and businesses from the very start, and provide relevant information.

2.   Any consultation or resident engagement to be on an ongoing basis and ensure that it is inclusive and accessible to all e.g. taking account of low literacy in English or digital exclusion.

3.   A credible rationale for LTNs including an explanation of why they are needed in a particular area and the likely benefits e.g. any evidence for the reduction of traffic and improvement in air quality.

Implementation

4.   Local authorities to provide a map of all the LTNs across their borough and neighbouring boroughs to help residents navigate them effectively. In addition to this, the introduction of LTNs (and any changes to them) to be updated on sat-nav systems.

1. LTNs and any new measures to be introduced gradually and include a “grace period” to allow residents time to understand and adjust to new measures, e.g. issuing a warning and not a fine on the first one or two incidents.

6.   Exemptions and resident passes to be available for those who need exemptions under the right conditions e.g. Blue Badge holders.

7.   Signage and traffic cameras to be clearly visible so that they cannot be missed.

8.   Barriers and planters to be more flexible to allow access for key groups such as emergency services.

Complementary measures to promote alternatives to car use

9.   Incentivising people to walk (by introducing better street lighting), and cycle (by making roads safer), as well as providing more secure on street bike storage.

10. Better communications around cycling and walking options within LTNs as well as improved public transport services that are more frequent, comfortable, accessible and affordable.

These recommendations are backed by a range of interest groups who served on an Advisory Group offering guidance and support on designing, implementing and communicating the research.

The Advisory Group was made up of organisations representing a range of different perspectives who were invited to join.

What are Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) see our video below

What have residents said about the LTN findings by NatCen?

One Lozells resident said: “It is working in a way because myself, as a disabled driver, I am not driving down Lozells Road anymore…so getting drivers to avoid the area, that is working.

“But I think about the shopkeepers down there and it must be quite difficult for them if people are choosing not to visit the area anymore. […] If it’s too difficult to access, people will just stay away.”

“I still believe fundamentally LTNs are a good idea, just the council needed to consult the residents and wider community better.” Resident from Lozells

“After taking part last night I feel a lot more educated about LTNs and their purpose. I think they can really help the local community, reduce pollution, asthma in younger children and make the streets and roads nearby to me safer for everybody.

“I fully support LTNs in my area and other areas but it has to be a coordinated effort, so all the different London boroughs come [together] to get LTNs working properly.” Resident from Wandsworth

“Yes [my views have changed], I was completely supportive of LTNs before this session but now understand from other participants that there are negative impacts of LTNs for some residents who live in the surrounding area.” Resident from Lambeth

“I now have a better understanding of LTNs however my view has not changed completely about introducing them. I believe other measures should be implemented before LTNs, particularly in urban areas.” Resident from Wandsworth

“It’s nice in theory but in reality we don’t have all the other measures to go with it that would actually improve how we’re going to get somewhere.” Resident from Lambeth

What has the Advisory Group said about the LTN findings by NatCen?

Helena Bennett, Senior Policy Adviser, Green Alliance, said: “LTNs could play an important role in helping people rely less on cars, which in turn will help cut emissions, so we really welcome the insights and recommendations of this report.

“In particular, we’re pleased the report considers the priorities of different demographics; this is key to ensuring LTNs are appropriate and work for everyone.

“It’s also encouraging that the deliberation process increased awareness of the environmental case for LTNs, even amongst people who don’t fully support their implementation.”

Polly Billington, Chief Executive of UK100, a network of local leaders, said: “This is a welcome report which identifies that, on average, LTNs have made a real improvement in reducing traffic on affected roads, without a big increase in roads nearby.

“Clearly, the public want to see the evidence that supports LTNs and for sensible tweaks to be made to ensure that they benefit everyone in the community, cutting air pollution and helping us meet our climate change obligations.”

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