Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

20 May 2024 · 7 other contributors · 13,409 words

Opened by Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea

Responding minister: Guy Opperman

TransportSafeguarding & DBSEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Marsha de Cordova raised concerns about low traffic neighbourhoods in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The lead MP is concerned about the negative impact of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) on communities, particularly for poorer and black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.
  • The Petitions Committee survey found that 78% of respondents reported negative effects from LTNs, with only 17% experiencing positive impacts.
  • The lead MP calls for an independent review focusing on the impact of LTNs on disabled people and recommends consulting all relevant stakeholders.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks the Government to agree to an independent review focusing on the impact of LTNs on disabled people, as well as consulting all relevant stakeholders. She also recommends permitting access for blue badge holders in LTN schemes and suspending pandemic-era LTNs until proper assessments have been made. The Government should ensure that any future reviews include consultations with disabled people and guarantee exemptions for blue badge holders from these schemes.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea

The lead MP is concerned about the negative impact of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) on communities, particularly those from poorer and black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds. She noted that 78% of respondents to a Petitions Committee survey said LTNs had a 'negative' or 'very negative' effect on them, with only 17% saying they had a positive impact. The MP also highlighted significant issues for disabled people, including increased travel times and costs, making commuting more exhausting and even trapping some in their homes. One respondent reported that an LTN scheme made her journey time three times longer. I am concerned about the accessibility of low-traffic neighbourhood schemes and the lack of an exhaustive review that includes key stakeholders such as disabled people. The Government's interim review is disappointing, and it fails to address the need for full inclusion of all affected individuals.

Other contributors (7)
  • Anneliese Dodds Lab Co-op Oxford East

    The timing of LTN introductions in cities like Oxford has underlined a lack of joined-up approach. The hon. Member is concerned that the initial funding for these projects could not be used for longer-term, integrated transport plans and agrees on the need to ensure everyone can travel cleanly.

  • Jacob Rees-Mogg

    Critiqued LTN policies, emphasizing their negative impact on rural areas and freedom of choice. He mentioned that 78% of journeys are made by car and advocated for better internal combustion engine technology over LTNs.

  • Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

    More than 28,000 deaths a year are linked to air pollution. The hon. Member urges that much more needs to be done to monitor and reduce air pollution to improve the quality of life for constituents.

  • Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth

    The hon. Member agrees that where LTNs are enforced through camera technology, residents can enter or leave their homes without suffering from described problems. Discussed her experience in London boroughs facing traffic jams before LTNs were implemented, arguing that these schemes can improve conditions on residential roads. I questioned whether the government's programme would result in gridlock if everyone drove everywhere, highlighting the need for alternatives such as public transport and safe walking or cycling routes. Ms Cadbury discussed long-standing low-traffic neighbourhood measures in her constituency, emphasizing their benefits and support from residents. She noted that the introduction of such measures was prompted by the growth of rat-running since the mass use of real-time sat-navs. Measures implemented included physical barriers, camera technology for enforcement, school streets, and a large liveable neighbourhood in south Chiswick which saw significant reductions in through traffic and increased walking and cycling.

  • Simon Lightwood Lab Co-op Wakefield and Rothwell

    Responded on behalf of the official Opposition, emphasizing that low-traffic neighbourhoods play an important part in delivering safer streets and cleaner air. Cited studies showing a 32% reduction in traffic and up to a 9% decrease in nitrogen dioxide pollution. Noted concerns about exemptions for blue badge holders but stressed the importance of local decision-making.

  • Theresa Villiers

    Will the hon. Lady give way?

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    Responded to Ruth Cadbury, questioning the impact of LTNs on different road users and advocating for wider consultation. The concept of low-traffic neighbourhoods has become contentious due to the motives behind them, such as reducing traffic and encouraging active travel. In Bath, local council has introduced 12 LTNs, which have created reasons for people to write to Wera Hobhouse. Despite opposition, there is support among residents who benefit from these zones. Hobhouse challenges her local council to provide data on the impact of LTNs and encourages transparency in communication with communities. She cites an official study that found 45% of respondents supported LTN schemes while 21% opposed them. The Department for Transport's decision not to fund LTNs is regrettable, as evidence shows they improve air quality, increase walking and cycling journeys, reduce street crime by 18%, and decrease NO2 emissions within liveable neighbourhoods. Asked Jacob Rees-Mogg about his proposal to deal with traffic doubling in Bath over 15 years and the council's decision-making process based on resident concerns. She also highlighted the mayor's reduction of bus services.

Government Response

Guy Opperman

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Harris. I thank the hon. Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova) for her introduction and everyone who submitted their name in support of the respective petitions. The minister acknowledges that traffic management has existed since the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, but also recognises concerns caused by low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). He highlights that LTN implementation must consider exemptions and exceptions, particularly for disabled badge holders, through engagement with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) and local government organisations. The minister explains that the review published on 17 March assesses issues in relation to exemptions and exceptions, detailing how implementation should take place for these aspects. He also addresses concerns over LTNs during the early stages of the covid-19 pandemic, stating that well-designed LTNs can work with local support but poorly thought-through schemes can cause harm. The review sets out guidance on how councils should regularly review LTNs to ensure they meet their objectives and are locally supported. While acknowledging concerns about disabled residents and high numbers of penalty charge notices, the minister asserts that the Government will not support future LTNs unless designed and delivered in accordance with new statutory guidance. He emphasizes the importance of local authorities considering accessibility for disabled people when implementing LTNs, and addresses specific petitions regarding DVLA records flagging blue badge holder vehicles, stating it is currently not a viable solution due to badges being linked to individuals rather than vehicles.

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