What is an LTN?
A Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) means private motorised vehicles can access all homes and businesses but cannot use the neighbourhood as a cut-through to other areas. Street improvements can then be put in place.
Benefits of LTNs
LTNs have been proven to improve air quality, mental health, social cohesion, mortality, the local economy and provide a much more pleasant place to live. They also make the area much more accessible and safer for those walking, cycling and especially for those using mobility aides.
Why do we need an LTN?
Speeding, dangerous driving, pavement parking, congestion and failing to stop at crossings is putting residents and especially the vulnerable such as children and the elderly at risk. This is an increasing problem in the wards and our streets have become increasingly hostile to those not in a car.
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Air pollution and inactivity have become major causes of poor health, especially among children and new research is emerging about the damaging effects of pollution and inactivity all the time.
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We've seen how calm, pleasant and safe other areas are in Waltham Forest that have an LTN and believe that residents deserve healthy streets here too.
LTN Mythbuster
Myth: I won't be able to drive/get deliveries to my house
Fact: Every house and business will be accessible by car.
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Myth: Emergency services will be delayed
Fact: All LTN's will be consulted on before any changes are made. LTN's have not resulted in any emergency service delays and in many cases have actually reduced response times.
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Myth: It will negatively impact the elderly and disabled
Fact: Everyone will still be able to drive when they need to and with reduced through-traffic, in many cases it will be easier to do so. Most people with a disability do not have a mobility disability and many of those who do, do not have access to a vehicle. Our streets need to be accessible to those elderly and disabled people using mobility aids, and those that walk and cycle locally. Reducing traffic improves access for everybody.
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Myth: It will just push traffic and pollution on to main roads
Fact: Initial figures from the Walthamstow Village area show traffic levels on main roads have increased by between 3% and 11%, but the number of vehicles in filtered roads has decreased by 56%. This means that across the overall area, there are around 10,000 fewer vehicles every day, an overall reduction in traffic of 16%. This is called “traffic evaporation”. Since the schemes went in, traffic levels have started to fall on main roads back to previous levels too.
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Myth: Bus routes will be disrupted
Fact: A big part of a combined Higham Hill/William Morris LTN would be bus gates on bus routes enabling quicker and more efficient public transport for those that need it. A bus gate lets buses pass through but not private vehicles.
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