Changes in motor traffic inside London's LTNs and on boundary roads

In collaboration with the University of Westminster’s Active Travel Academy, we have released the most comprehensive study of low traffic neighbourhoods across London to date, showing that streets within LTNs experience substantial, overall falls in traffic and, implying significant changes in street use.

“This report shows that low traffic neighbourhoods are having a verifiable, positive impact for the people living on these streets. But, importantly, it shows that they have no consistent impact on boundary roads. In a climate crisis, we need our policymakers to make bold, data-led decisions; this report gives them that information. What we need now is action to drive down traffic, make our cities happier and healthier, and directly address the climate crisis.” Hirra Khan Adeogun, co-director at Possible

We found that average decreases in motor traffic on roads within LTNs is almost ten times higher than average increases in motor traffic on boundary roads, suggesting that LTNs are creating a substantial overall reduction in traffic.

The report emphasises the need to consider that boundary roads are still highly likely to still be polluted, unsafe, or difficult to cross or cycle on. Removing LTNs is unlikely to alleviate these issues so it is vital for local authorities to consider other measures that could. For instance, expanding low emission zones, road user charging, increasing the number of bus lanes and public transport provision, urban greenery, widening pavements, and protected cycle lanes could all make a contribution.

We are calling on local authorities to use the report’s findings to introduce more LTNs and to challenge misinformation about the direct impacts on boundary roads. They are also calling for further measures to address traffic on these boundary road