London’s controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) could be scrapped if Shaun Bailey wins the race to become the next mayor in May.
The Conservative candidate said he would launch consultations relating to LTNs that have been installed by councils using emergency powers, and added those that were “imposed” without support will be removed.
LTNs use street furniture – such as plants or bollards – to block roads in residential areas, in an attempt to reduce traffic volumes, stop drivers from using streets as ‘rat runs’ and encourage people to walk and cycle more.
According to Paddy Power, Sadiq Khan is favourite to stay in office for another four years, with odds of 1/33 that he will win the election on 6 May, while Bailey’s current odds stand at 12/1.
When LTNs are in place, it remains possible for emergency services, delivery drivers and residents to access the streets, but the intention is to make it harder to drive through from one main road to the next via a residential street.
‘LTNs were pushed through’
“LTNs that Sadiq Khan funded were pushed through without giving residents a say. And they’re the ones facing the consequences,” Bailey told The Telegraph. “Increased traffic, greater pollution on main roads and longer wait times for ambulances.
As mayor, I’ll hold consultations within 100 days and scrap every LTN that a majority of residents don’t want.”
According to a Telegraph report, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said local councils “had got it wrong” and “had not thought through” the schemes.
Shapps added he had received “more contact on this than any other subject probably other than Beeching reversals from Members of Parliament wanting to have well-designed schemes in their area”.
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