The Government has been accused of green lighting nuisance driving as its investigation into Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) hits a road block.
The British Parking Association stated that the review into LTNs and potential disbanding of them would strip council powers and “undoubtedly” have much wider, unforeseen negative impacts.
The Government recently revealed it would be launching a review into the effectiveness of LTNs after residents have complained they are too disruptive to be useful.
Research found that, while LTNs can work, in the right place, the lack of understanding behind them has overshadowed their ability in some councils.
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Rishi Sunak has announced a review into LTNs
PALTNs are an area-wide traffic management scheme aimed at reducing or removing through traffic from residential areas, put in place using restriction signs or physical measures such as planters or bollards.
The association argued that the current rhetoric and implied punishments for councils who implement LTNs is proving to be extremely damaging and misleading.
Isaac Occhipinti from the BPA commented: “Restricting or curtailing local authority access to DVLA keeper records could potentially also significantly restrict them in enforcing wider traffic and parking schemes.
“This would be a disaster for local road users and residents. Also, as any surplus income from traffic enforcement is strictly ring fenced for the benefit of local community road and travel schemes, such as concessionary bus fares, it would undoubtedly have much wider, unforeseen, negative impacts.”
Occhipinti claimed that at a time when councils have little to no money spare to invest in anything other than essential local schemes, this action would truly be the worst outcome for local areas.
The BPA added that the Government needs to start assessing what they want English roads and neighbourhoods to look like.
At the moment their actions could lead to no enforcement at all, allowing streets and communities to descend into chaos, Occhipinti warned.
The LTN restrictions are enforced by CCTV cameras and if caught, drivers could be fined £130, reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days. If the charge is not paid, the penalty will increase to £195.
From independent research conducted by the BPA, they found that the public are very concerned about problem driving.
Giving local authorities the power to enforce LTNs has meant they are able to listen to residents and make streets near their homes safer.
But as the Government looks to limit what councils can do as part of its Plan for Drivers, this could leave roads in a much worse state, BPA warned.
Ochipinti added: “This development, along with other parts of their Plan for Drivers does not support the majority who drive with consideration and follow the rules of the road, nor do they appear to be recognising the significant problems caused by nuisance motorists.”
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LTNs prevent through traffic on certain residential streets
GETTYThe organisation has called for the Government to establish a plan that supports the majority of compliant drivers, rather than effectively rewarding non-compliance.
