Report Questions Effectiveness of London’s Low Traffic Neighbourhoods on Reducing Car Use

New data has revealed that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have failed to cut the use of motor vehicles

A new report has raised doubts about the impact of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) on reducing car use across London, despite strong backing from Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The rollout of LTNs has been accelerated in recent years as councils attempt to cut traffic, improve air quality, and make local roads safer for residents. Transport for London (TfL) funded a three-year study costing more than £82,000, tracking the travel habits of over 4,500 Londoners.

The findings, however, suggest that while LTNs increased cycling, they did not significantly reduce car use. According to the report, there was no clear link between the proportion of LTN roads in a neighbourhood and the amount of car travel over the past week. TfL chose not to publish the Travel and Place report, stating that it “did not offer sufficient new insights to justify further investment.”

Critics have questioned TfL’s decision to withhold the report. John Stewart from the campaign group Social and Environmental Justice told The Times:“The failure to publish is a serious omission because it could have helped inform decision-makers. Councils often support LTNs believing they reduce traffic and air pollution, but this study undermines that argument.”

Previous research from TfL painted a more positive picture. A study entitled The Impacts of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in London found a 50% reduction in road casualties within LTN zones, without increasing traffic on surrounding streets. The median number of motor vehicles in LTNs also dropped from 1,200 to 650 per day. Specific studies, such as in Waltham Forest, showed a 6% reduction in car or van ownership between 2015 and 2019 and a 10% drop in street crime over a similar period.

LTNs became widespread during the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 100 active schemes across the capital. Despite the mixed evidence, Mayor Khan has defended the schemes, saying in a 2023 London Assembly meeting that LTNs “really work” and help make streets more appealing for walking and cycling.

A TfL spokesperson said:“We are committed to supporting high-quality research that helps us understand how our policies and programmes are working. This particular study was initially funded to explore the impacts of LTNs, but following a review of the second year's findings, we concluded the data did not offer sufficient new insights to justify further investment. We remain confident that LTNs can reduce traffic levels in the area, making streets safer and enabling more walking and cycling.”

The study comes amid wider debates over LTNs and 20mph zones, with reports earlier this year suggesting that Labour may reconsider plans to expand such schemes nationwide. The previous Conservative government had promised any new LTNs or speed limit reductions would be subject to referendums and a “right to challenge” process.