Local Government Association criticises Government review of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods policies

The Local Government Association (LGA) has questioned news that the Prime Minister has ordered a review of Low Traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), stating that councils are "best placed" to decide for themselves on whether to introduce the schemes.

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Rishi Sunak said he had ordered the Department for Transport to carry out a review of LTNs across the country over concerns that the schemes create congestion in other areas and hinder delivery vans, emergency vehicles and cars transporting elderly people and families.

LTNs are areas where vehicular traffic is restricted to promote walking or cycling. All drivers are restricted from entering LTNs, unless they live inside of the area or have permission to enter.

The review comes after Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced that the government was stopping the funding of new LTNs in England earlier this month.

But responding to news of the LTN review, the Local Government Association's transport spokesperson, Cllr Linda Taylor, 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."

She added: “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% of urban journeys being walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030.”

The introduction of LTNs has been controversial in some areas, leading to a number of councils defending judicial reviews over their decisions to implement them.

In February this year, the Supreme Court refused to hear a claimant's case against a LTN installed by Lambeth Council. Three months prior, Enfield Council successfully defended a High Court challenge brought against one of its LTNs.

Adam Carey