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Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) are just one
of the latest weapons in the war against the motorist.
Local
authorities have imposed and kept them in the face of massive public
opposition. Some petitions against them have been supported by 10,000+
people, but ignored.
Massive
fine revenue has been generated in some places (e.g. LB Lambeth).
Some
authorities know they’re unpopular, so call them by disingenuous,
palliative names like ‘quieter neighbourhoods’, ‘liveable neighbourhoods’
and ‘clean air neighbourhoods’. In reality, they stop traffic taking
short cuts and concentrate it onto main roads, making drivers burn more
fuel increasing emission and congestion.
The
loud public backlash in places like LB Ealing has seen some LTNs
withdrawn. Other authorities like LB Wandsworth, Harrow and Tower Hamlets
have seen voters kick out the council responsible!
Apart
from turning the screw on drivers, by making our journeys longer and more
unpleasant, LTNs may have a more sinister purpose. Less surveillance
cameras might be needed to enforce road pricing (should any Mayor or
council be daft enough to impose it.)
They
are part of Mayor Khan’s drive to force
27% of vehicles off the road by 2030, with ‘saving the planet’ being
a pious excuse to ‘justify’ this draconian measure.
Some
councils have rolled back LTNs after resident pressure. With others,
regime change might not be possible short term, but a radical London
Mayor could in theory update their Transport Strategy to force certain
councils to see sense. Otherwise central government has powers to
legislate for local democracy – planning bill proposals have even
considered localised referendums for more basic matters such as planning
permission for home improvements?
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