The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has today published 11 'Plans for Drivers' press releases, several of which are led by those relating to 'Low Traffic Areas' (LTNs).
Embedded within the press release is a report commissioned by Chancellor Rishi Sunak that aimed to undermine LTN's credibility, but which had the opposite effect.
Low Traffic Neighborhoods: Research ReportThe report, published on Sunday, March 17, states that “LTN is effective in achieving the outcome of reducing traffic on city roads.”
Additionally, “the LTN has successfully improved air quality on the city's roads” and “street crime within the LTN has decreased and road safety has improved”.
The DfT report also cited international evidence: “International evidence supports the UK LTN findings: Tactical urban planning interventions in Barcelona significantly reduced traffic volumes on intervention streets from 2019 to 2021, with an average of around 14.8% across all intervention streets. % relative decrease, for a total relative decrease of 13.6%.”
The DfT report shows that the “quality of life” of people living in areas where rat runs have been eliminated has improved. “LTN can contribute to a cleaner and safer environment within the scheme by reducing traffic and emissions. This will encourage active travel and improve quality of life.”
LTN is also good for the economy, the DfT report confirms. “International evidence shows that traffic reduction, car bans and pedestrianization initiatives are successful in creating destinations that are attractive to both residents and retailers. This is reflected in sales and real estate prices.”
The DfT study said: “Studies including in San Francisco, California and Toronto, Ontario show that cyclists and pedestrians generally spend more in commercial areas each month than visitors arriving by car or public transport. It points out that For example, in Copenhagen's Strøget, pedestrianization increased sales by 30% within a year, and in New York City's Time Square, pedestrianization increased economic activity by 22% between 2007 and 2011. Did. ”
The DfT said in a press release: 'No-driver road schemes and 20mph speed limits across the board clamped down to prioritize local consent' delays for crews involved in LTNs 'could put lives at risk'. It said there were “concerns” from emergency services. ”
However, the DfT's LTN Inquiry Report states that 'LTN does not have a negative impact on emergency vehicle response times'.
Despite the overwhelming evidence provided in the government report, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said in a major press release issued today: the method that is most effective for them. ”
Lecture on BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg “What we're proposing is very sensible, and if Congress listens to our guidance, that's fine,” Harper said on the show.
“If not, we will have to consider other measures in the future, such as in terms of funding.”
This threat to pull funding from already cash-strapped councils requires access to the Driver and Licensing Authority's database, which matches car registrations and owners, to prevent fines being imposed on drivers passing through the LTN. This includes blocking them, but that would require a change in the law. That will likely happen during the pre-election frenzy, which is several months away.
Clyde Roakes, deputy leader of Labour-led Waltham Forest Council, said: guardian Removing access to the DVLA would “destroy popular and successful active travel schemes, put school children at risk, expose them to resident priority parking scheme fraud and reduce access to essential parking schemes for the elderly and disabled.” “This will eviscerate discount travel plans.”
In response to today's flurry of press releases, the Local Government Association said: Some of them criticized what was said to be a lack of consultation with residents.
“Low-traffic neighborhoods can make neighborhoods safer and improve air quality by reducing traffic and encouraging more people to walk, ride, and bike. It is popular because of
“The council is already consulting with all residents and businesses to find the best solutions to reduce congestion and improve air quality for everyone.”
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