The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ha s announced that the Government is goingto undertake a review of the poliocy of low traffic neighbourhoods
Sunak told the Sunday Telegraph he would appraise low traffic schemes because the “vast majority” of people were dependent on their cars.
“I just want to make sure people know that I’m on their side in supporting them to use their cars to do all the things that matter to them,” he added.
The Government has previously helped fund LTNs, but the transport secretary said earlier this month that he had put an end to central government funding for the measures.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Local traffic measures must work for residents, businesses and emergency services. That’s why we are reviewing the impact of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods introduced by local authorities and will provide more details in due course.”
There has been anger from many areas.
Manchester Council leader Bev Craig tweeted
What a way to run a country 🥴Reactionary nonsense pandering to an imaginary group of people who don’t want their kids to be safer on residential roads
Cllr Linda Taylor, Local Government Association transport spokesperson, said:
“Councils are on the side of all road users and residents, and are working hard to tackle congestion, make our air cleaner and improve the quality of life in their communities. We want to work with government to achieve this.
‘It is important that we consult with all residents and businesses to find the best solutions to ease congestion and improve air quality for everyone.
“However, it is councils who are best placed to make decisions with their communities in improving the lives of people and businesses. As democratic organisations they continually review all kinds of services and schemes based on local circumstances. Therefore, a national review is unnecessary.
“Only with long-term certainty of funding and consistency of government policy can councils invest confidently in transport schemes and help meet the Government’s own target of 50 per cent of urban journeys being walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030.”
