‘LTNs have transformed the way residents and visitors experience our local community’

• THERE’S been much debate in the Letters pages of the local press about LTN, low traffic neighbourhoods.

With a vision of greener, cleaner, and safer streets, Islington has been a pioneer of these schemes.

LTNs have transformed the way residents and visitors experience our local community.

As we consider the proposals for new LN, liveable neighbourhood measures, I think it’s important to remind ourselves of the many benefits such schemes bring.

First, LTNs promote a healthier lifestyle.

By reducing vehicular traffic we diminish the pollution that taints our air. Cleaner air leads to fewer health issues particularly for children and the elderly who are most vulnerable to respiratory problems.

The encouragement of walking and cycling as primary modes of transport also enables an increase in physical activity fostering a community that enjoys wellness and vitality.

Islington’s existing LTNs have led to a 49 per cent increase in cycling within LTNs and a 10 per cent increase in cycling on surrounding roads.

Secondly, the serenity afforded by LTNs cannot be overstated.

On Islington’s internal roads traffic volumes have fallen by 64 per cent and speeding traffic has fallen by 79 per cent.

On boundary roads traffic volumes have fallen by 3 per cent and speeding traffic has fallen by 3 per cent.

With fewer cars on residential roads noise pollution has considerably subsided, allowing the sounds of nature to emerge. Traffic reduction not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also allows birds and wildlife to live alongside us.

Safety, a concern for all of us, has seen a significant uptick in LTNs. The reduction in traffic has naturally led to fewer road accidents, creating a secure environment for our children to play and our families to thrive.

The data on KSI, killed or seriously injured, road casualties from 2019 to 2021 in Islington show a 13.5 per cent reduction, suggesting that the implementation of the people-friendly streets initiative has enhanced road safety.

A further study showed that in Canonbury East and St Peter’s LTNs there were zero KSI casualties in both LTNs in two years post-implementation compared with more than five KSIs in each LTN prior to their implementation.

This safe-haven effect bolsters community interaction as well, with streets turning into social spaces where neighbours connect and local businesses can flourish due to increased footfall.

Also LTNs have been a catalyst for community pride and local economies. As streets become more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly, local shops and cafés benefit from the business of residents who previously would have bypassed them on a car journey.

Our neighbourhoods are not just places to live; they are destinations where the community’s economic heartbeat is supported by local footfall.

Like any major change to established behaviour, the transition to LTNs can be challenging. But the results achieved so far are undeniable and the long-term benefits for our environment, our health, and our future are invaluable.

The positive changes that we have already witnessed are a testament to what can be achieved when a community embraces a vision for a more sustainable and convivial urban life.

As we reflect on the progress made by LTNs in Islington, let’s commit to preserving and expanding these sanctuaries of urban life so that more of our neighbourhoods benefit.

Through a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our environment and our neighbours, we can ensure Islington remains a healthy and enjoyable place in which to live, work, and to visit.

NEIL CHRISTIE, N5