Local authorities have been accused of being "anti-motorist" after misinformation about low traffic neighbourhoods has impacted drivers relationships with councils.
According to one expert there is a “worsening” democratic chasm between councils and communities because of the backlash from the public and Government.
When in force, LTNs prevent vehicles from entering residential streets to promote walking and cycling.
Drivers who enter them could be fined £130, reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days for breaching the rules.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
London councils issued more than £118million in LTN fines last year
PAThe rise in public outcry for LTNs was sparked by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who last year called some of them “hare-brained schemes”.
Meanwhile, examples of disinformation on social media posts about LTNs include referring to them as 15-minute cities, approval of vandalism or any mention of authoritarian/totalitarian political regimes.
Research also highlighted how many councils failed to “properly engage” and consult with communities before implementing LTNs.
A recent Government review into LTNs detailed how a consultation would be launched on targeting the use of DVLA data by councils to enforce “substandard” LTNs and other anti-motorist traffic schemes.
Hannah Perry, a lead researcher at Demos, which commissioned the data, said: “An instruction to act ‘swiftly’, combined with historic funding constraints, led to serious shortcomings in the way the councils engaged citizens in LTN implementation.”
However, she warned that instead of working to bring a “sense of calm”, the Government performed a “screeching” U-turn, in both policy and rhetoric, and ultimately fed the public backlash.
Analysis by Demos showed how this pivot coincided with the spike in LTN-related disinformation.
She added that it is “absolutely essential” that lessons are learned and that we radically transform how democracy takes place locally.
Perry explained that there is a “worsening democratic chasm” between councils and communities as a result of public disapproval.
Separate research carried out by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme revealed that London councils issued more than £118million in fines for vehicles entering LTNs between January 2023 and March 2024.
In response, the Local Government Association said Councils want to take a “balanced approach” to ensuring that motor traffic keeps moving, while protecting other road users so that “everyone can benefit from safer streets”.
The spokesperson explained that any surplus income from (traffic) fines must be spent on transport improvements by law.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
LTNs prevent drivers from entering certain areas
PAA Department for Transport spokesperson added: “Traffic schemes must work for everyone in the area and should have local engagement and community buy-in before being implemented, which has not been the case for a number of LTNs.
“Through our Plan for Drivers, we’re strengthening statutory guidance to ensure councils have the support of local residents, businesses and emergency services before implementing any new LTN schemes.”
