New government guidance requires councils in England to take into account the opinions of local residents before implementing low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). LTNs are roads that are blocked to traffic, forcing vehicles to take alternative routes. The draft guidance notes that councils must ensure that any new LTN scheme has the approval of the community. It recommends holding consultation meetings, conducting online surveys, and distributing leaflets in order to gain the support of locals. By introducing these measures, the government is striving to prevent local authorities from dictating how people should use their roads.
LTNs help reduce traffic, promoting walking and cycling, and create a safer and more peaceful atmosphere in residential areas. However, there are concerns that these schemes can negatively impact people with disabilities and emergency services vehicles. Additionally, a review by the government found that the high number of penalty charge notices being issued was problematic. The introduction of the new guidance aims to address these challenges.
The new guidance is part of the government’s Plan for Drivers aimed to create legislation that benefits road users. Transport Secretary Mark Harper noted that the government’s goal is to ensure that drivers have their voices heard. Harper also underlined the importance of consulting with the community and ensuring that traffic schemes have widespread support.
As part of the same Plan for Drivers, councils have also been instructed to introduce 20mph speed limits only in specific areas. This is a significant change for road safety policy that has prioritized speed restrictions for decades. The announcement also aims to curb the environmental impact of cars, create safer communities, and enhance sustainable mobility.
Labour has accused the government of interfering with local councils, and claimed that the scheme reveals the government’s shortcomings with respect to policy formulation. The Local Government Association has stressed that the councils are already involved in consultation with the residents concerned, and that low traffic neighbourhoods have been successful in areas where they have been implemented
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