LTNs 'popular and effective', leak reveals

Low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are popular and effective, a leaked report from the Department for Transport (DfT) has found.

Polling of more than 1,800 residents carried out inside four LTNs in London, Birmingham, Wigan and York revealed that twice as many local people supported them (45%) as opposed them (21%).

Nearly 60% of the survey respondents did not even know they lived in an LTN, according to the leaked study which has been seen by the Guardian.

The report also concluded that there was little evidence to suggest that LTNs just displaced traffic to other streets, although it notes that formal studies of their impact on overall congestion levels were limited.

‘The available evidence from the UK indicates that LTNs are effective in achieving outcomes of reducing traffic volumes within their zones while adverse impacts on boundary roads appear to be limited,’ it read.

Commenting on the Guardian’s story, a DfT spokesperson said: ‘We are clear that many local authorities have not put local residents first when implementing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.

'We are backing motorists and will produce new guidance focused on the importance of securing strong local support.’

This article first appeared on localgov.co.uk.