Government stance on low

The Government’s stance on low-traffic neighbourhoods “undermines” the country’s response to climate change, a senior councillor has warned.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a review of the schemes – known LTNs - which see local authority’s attempt to limit motor vehicle drivers from using quiet residential roads as rat runs.

This came weeks after transport secretary Mark Harper said he had halted funding for new LTNs.

BCP Council introduced several such schemes when the Unity Alliance administration was running the council before the Conservatives took control and removed them in some locations.

A low traffic neighbourhood scheme was removed from Victoria Park Road, Bournemouth

At the weekend, Mr Sunak told the Telegraph: “The vast majority of people in the country use their cars to get around and are dependent on their cars.

"When I’m lucky enough to get home to North Yorkshire it’s more representative of how most of the country is living, where cars are important.

“I just want to make sure people know that I’m on their side in supporting them to use their cars to do all the things that matter to them.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Image: PA)

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for environment, said the Department for Transport (DfT) actively promoted the use of modal filters, like bollards and planters, and the development of LTNs during the Covid period to encourage walking and cycling.

He said the decision to stop funding them comes as the Government promoted major road schemes.

“The Minister and now Prime Minister claim to be promoting choice in favour of motorists, but this has consequences and restricts choices for those who walk, cycle, or attempt to socialise with neighbours along residential roads in our towns,” Cllr Hadley said.

“It also undermines the UK attempts to manage our carbon footprint better and respond to the changing climate.

Cllr Andy Hadley (Image: BCP Council)

“We do need to ensure that measures do not cause issues for those for whom car or van use is essential, but there is no getting away from the fact that our very congested locations will continue to get worse if we don’t encourage short journeys not to be by car where possible.

"This has the added benefit of creating capacity for those who do need to drive.”

Cllr Hadley said BCP Council had continued to be successful in obtaining funding from DfT to support journeys by active travel based on improving links for walking and cycling rather than creating new filters to prevent motorists from using minor roads as cut throughs.

But the Poole People member said traffic filters were recognised internationally as an effective way of creating safer, cleaner and quieter environments alongside enhancing the “smooth flow of traffic on more major roads”.

The Three Towns Alliance administration councillor added: “The UK has a growing crisis of obesity and diabetes. Air quality and climate impact of choices we make are important.

“When developing any new transport schemes, we need to support the choice and safety for people to undertake their shorter journeys on foot, by scooter or bike or with mobility aids. This is whilst also protecting our public space against a changing climate through planting trees and considering enhanced drainage solutions.

“This means continuing to review, model, plan and build measures that balance the needs and choices of all people on our highway network, and engaging, consulting, and communicating with the public throughout.

“The council will continue to apply for and deliver transport schemes in line with the relevant grant spend guidelines.”