UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour ends further LTN probes, leaving councils to manage schemes amid evidence gaps and growing concerns over local disruption.
As reported by The Telegraph, Labour has abandoned further investigations into the impact of low traffic neighbourhoods on local communities.
Ministers have rejected calls to examine the effects of LTNs on residents and businesses, despite warnings of insufficient evidence on their impact.
Why has Labour stopped investigating low traffic neighbourhoods?
The Tories said the Government is prioritising ideology by ignoring calls to study the effectiveness of controversial schemes.
A March 2024 government report on LTNs warned of missing evidence, particularly on their effects on high street businesses and footfall.
The Ipsos survey showed varied effects of the schemes and stressed the importance of ongoing evidence collection.
Lord Hendy, a transport minister, confirmed,
“The Department has no plans to undertake further research on the impacts of LTNs.”
In response to a question from Baroness Deech on further LTN research, she said,
“The Government is clear that traffic management measures such as low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are a matter for local authorities as they know their areas best. The Department has no plans to undertake further research on the impacts of LTNs.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces repeated backlash over heavy-handed policies targeting drivers, particularly in London and Wales.
LTN schemes have been adopted in several London boroughs, including Lewisham and Islington, where speed limits are set to 20mph.
The move comes after the Government quietly scrapped Conservative-drafted reforms aimed at curbing local authorities’ powers to impose “unfair” traffic fines.
The removal of the guidance means local authorities no longer have to check that LTNs have local support or avoid negative impacts on surrounding areas.
What did Richard Holden say about Labour’s LTN policies?
Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary, said,
“Labour’s war on drivers is hitting full throttle.”
He stated,
“Ministers have admitted they’ve no intention of ever finding out whether LTNs even work on their own terms.”
Mr Holden added,
“Local businesses are cut off, emergency services are blocked and families are sitting in traffic because Labour don’t have the backbone to admit they backed a bad idea out of ideological zealotry. Labour are doubling down on dogma.”
What were the findings of Ipsos on low-traffic neighbourhoods?
A government-commissioned report by Ipsos showed
“a mixed picture in terms of LTNs’ measurable impacts at least in the short-term plus a degree of uncertainty in terms of perceived impact.”
It stated,
“These are related factors and underline the importance of collecting robust evidence over time as well as achieving better communications.”
The report found the importance of ongoing evidence collection and pointed to gaps on LTNs’ impact on small businesses and noise levels.
What did the DfT say about local authority powers over traffic schemes?
A DfT spokesman stated,
“As is longstanding policy, local authorities are best placed to decide what traffic management schemes are appropriate, but they should always be developed through engagement with local communities. There are no plans to change this.”
Who announced the plan for drivers, and what is Labour’s stance on LTNs?
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a “Plan for Drivers” in October, aimed at limiting local councils’ ability to introduce anti-car measures.
Labour ministers have confirmed that no further LTN studies will be conducted, hinting that the controversial policies are likely to continue.
Before the general election, Sir Keir Starmer called LTNs a “good idea” in certain areas, noting that local authorities should decide on their implementation.
What is the low-traffic neighbourhood policy?
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods restrict motorized traffic on residential streets through barriers or ANPR cameras. Only residents and emergency services can access these streets.
The purpose is to reduce traffic, lower emissions, and create safer, healthier spaces that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over cars.