The U.K.’s Department for Transport (DfT) has been accused of underhandedness in a statement on “low traffic neighborhoods” (LTNs) in one of eleven “plan for drivers”press releases issued by the ministry on Sunday, 17 March.
In a press release titled “Crackdown on anti-driver road schemes and blanket 20mph limits to put local consent first” the DfT stated that there were “concerns” from emergency services that any delays to crews caught up in LTNs could “potentially risk lives.”
However, in DfT research issued on the same day, it was stated that “LTNs do not adversely affect response times for emergency vehicles.” This research had been commissioned by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with the presumed aim of discrediting LTNs but did the opposite.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods: Research Report, also issued on Sunday, 17 March, states: “LTNs are effective in achieving outcomes of reducing traffic volumes within internal roads.”
Furthermore, “LTNs have succeeded in improving air quality on internal roads,” and “there has been less street crime and improved road safety within LTNs.”
Citing international evidence, the DfT’s report also states: “International evidence supports findings of UK LTNs. Tactical urbanism interventions in Barcelona led to a significant decrease in traffic levels on intervention streets from 2019-2021, with an average relative reduction of about 14.8% and a total relative reduction of 13.6% across all intervention streets.”
Those living in areas where rat running have been removed have better “quality of life,” shows the DfT report: “By reducing traffic and emissions, LTNs can contribute to a cleaner, safer environment within schemes. This in turn can encourage active travel and improve quality of life.”
LTNs are also good for the economy, confirms the DfT report: “International evidence indicates that low-traffic, car-free and pedestrianisation initiatives are succeeding in creating destinations that are attractive for both residents and retail. This is reflected in sales and property prices.”
The DfT’s research points out that “studies, including San Francisco, California, and Toronto, Ontario, have shown that cyclists and pedestrians generally spend more per month in commercial areas than visitors who arrive by car or public transport. For instance, in Copenhagen’s Ströget, pedestrianisation led to a 30% increase in sales within a year and in New York City’s Time Square, pedestrianisation resulted in a 22% increase in economic activity between 2007 and 2011.”
Despite the overwhelming evidence provided in the government report, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said in the lead press release: “We’re on the side of drivers … making their lives better, fairer and cheaper, and helping people travel in the way that works best for them.”
Read the full article here
