Oxford Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Cut Injuries by Up to Half, Say Campaigners

The number of people killed or injured near three Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Cowley, Oxford, has reportedly fallen by up to 50% since the measures were installed, according to local campaigners.

Data from the Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel (CoHSAT) indicates that 33 road casualties have been prevented around the Cowley LTNs over the past three years. The LTNs, which restrict through-traffic on six roads in east Oxford and Cowley, were permanently installed in 2023.

Across Oxford’s six LTN sites, CoHSAT estimates that roughly 69 casualties have been prevented, with an associated economic saving of more than £3 million. Robin Tucker, CoHSAT co-chair, said: “I think a few minutes on somebody’s drive is worth it to save 20 people being injured a year. There’s really no comparison you can make.” He added that residents reported the measures had “made their lives a lot easier.”

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s transport chief, described the figures as “striking,” adding: “It’s a very clear indication of what happens when you reduce the amount of incidents between those road users—the roads are safer.”

However, not everyone agrees. Sajjad Malik, a taxi driver and independent councillor for Temple Cowley, argued the improvements were “not rocket science” because accidents are less likely on roads with no cars. He cautioned that the benefits might be offset by congestion, pollution, and safety issues on surrounding main roads. Malik also noted that before the LTNs, the majority of casualties were caused by heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries, and said that local residents “are still angry” over the impact of the filters.