Figures Justifying LTNs Found to be Incorrect
In a recent review from the Department of Transport (DfT), it has been found that the data used to justify the introduction of LTNs was incorrect. This revelation has provided extra ammunition to those already opposed to the controversial traffic calming measures.
What are LTNs?
Low-traffic Neighbourhoods or LTNs are traffic calming measures that were first introduced in Waltham Forest back in 2014.
LTNs are roads closed to all motor vehicles. The intention is to reduce both traffic and pollution by encouraging people to walk or cycle, or forcing people to drive down larger, arterial routes instead.
While some LTNs feature actual roadblocks to prevent vehicle access, some are enforced using cameras similar to those that monitor bus lanes.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that in 2021, Southwark Council generated £2.5 million in revenue in just three months from three LTN enforcement cameras. One camera alone recorded nearly 30,000 offences.
LTNs have been introduced in many cities, including Manchester and Birmingham. While supporters would consider their introduction to be a success they have always proved divisive.
This is why the new data released by the DfT has caused such a stir.
What does the new data show?
The new data published by the DfT has revealed the figures used to justify many LTN’s was flawed. Their research found that the previous analysis of road traffic had been significantly overestimated.
A spokesperson for the DfT said:
“Historic minor road traffic estimates have been revised and are lower than those previously published. The figures used at the time were based on the most accurate data available.”
The original data had suggested a 60% rise in London’s minor road traffic and a 72% increase on its smallest roads. However, the new data has shown no increase over the last ten years.
Across the UK as a whole, there has been an increase, but a significantly smaller increase than was originally published.
The data from 2020 found a 26% increase in minor road traffic across the whole country between 2009 and 2019. The new report has shown there has only been a 10% increase overall.
What does this mean for the future of LTNs?
Pro-motoring lobbyists will consider this new report welcome news as they have often argued the traffic situation on minor roads has been overexaggerated.
In some areas, LTNs were met with such fierce resistance that there have been instances of cameras and roadblocks being vandalised and even set on fire.
It is unclear what the future of LTNs will be now the new data has been published. The new figures will reduce the strength of any argument put forward by pro-LTN groups.
Could this lead to some of the more controversial LTNs being removed? We’ll have to wait and see.