Councils are to be told by the Government that they should be consulting residents before introducing new low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs)
According to the Government’s press release this morning
“Motorists are set to benefit from smoother journeys and reduced congestion, with local people getting a stronger voice on road schemes that affect them, thanks to a crackdown on anti-driver road schemes, over-zealous traffic enforcement, and strengthened guidance for councils on 20mph limits.”
The Government adds that If local authorities fail to deliver sensible road schemes that work for local people they could see future funding withdrawn, and under powers from the Traffic Management Act, the government could ultimately take control of an authority’s roads where they are deemed to be widely mismanaged
The advise also says that councils should reserve the zones for sensible areas such as outside schools
The news comes as the Government’s own report into Low Traffic Neighbourhoods shows that they are generally supported!
20mph zones have seen 25% fall in fatal collisions on London’s main roads and
Camera enforcement makes roads safer and prevents traffic chaos
The review also found they could provide benefits like improved air quality but raised concerns about the impact on residents with disabilities, as well as the risk of delaying emergency service vehicles
A review also showed that only 13% of residents have responded to council planning consultations on LTNs and 18% feel their views have influenced council decisions.
