Major city could dramatically cut vehicle-use with Low Traffic Neighbourhoods – motorists have just weeks to ‘speak out’
A MAJOR UK city could be cutting down on vehicle use through controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes under new plans.
The proposed project aims to "make it easier to catch a bus and to walk or cycle" while reducing congestion in residential areas.
LTNs have been on the rise in recent years, especially in London.
The programmes usually involve large numbers of residential roads being closed off to all motor vehicles.
These restrictions are sometimes enforced within set hours, but it has become increasingly common for streets to be permanently blocked off by installations like planter boxers or bollards.
ANPR cameras monitor the areas and issue fines to drivers who break the rules.
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The schemes have attracted plenty of support from residents and local councils, who argue that they improve public health, reduce pollution and ease congestion.
However, critics claim that they simply concentrate traffic in different areas, inconveniencing drivers and restricting freedom of travel.
Now, Bristol City Council is in the early stages of expanding its LTN scheme to more areas of the city.
Under the "Liveable Neighbourhoods" programme, the council has already implemented restrictions in eastern Bristol but is now testing similar measures in the south.
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Neighbourhoods including Southville, Bedminster, Ashton Vale, Malago Vale, Windmill Hill, and part of Totterdown will be subject to the rules on a trial basis.
Residents have until October 13 to get involved in the public consultation and "speak out" about the project.
Officials are looking to gauge traffic conditions in the areas to properly design the restrictions in future.
Measures being discussed include new bus gates, trees and cycle tracks as well as changes to existing one-way systems.
Bristol City Council said: "The improvements aim to make it easier to catch a bus and to walk or cycle, with better facilities and less through traffic.
"Liveable neighbourhoods can encourage exercise, reduce loneliness, and make life better overall.
"A Liveable Neighbourhood is made up of residential streets bound by main roads, which are more suitable for carrying traffic, such as HGVs, buses and all other vehicles through an area.
"Likely measures will include stopping people using residential streets to cut through the area and moving them back onto main roads, which are designed to handle greater volumes of vehicle traffic."
