Major city to punish drivers with 11 new Low Traffic Neighbourhoods on top of Clean Air Zone fines

The new measures come on top of the existing Clean Air Zones which already limit the routes cars can travel in the city.

The council has now put the case to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to obtain funds with the decision being considered on September 20.

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If successful, the LTNs would aim to reduce the impact of excessive traffic in residential areas, such as through traffic, congestion, and speeding.

It would also create environments where it is easier, safer, healthier, and more attractive to walk, wheel and cycle, the council detailed.

Councillor Manda Rigby said: “The proposals for each of the Liveable Neighbourhood areas are a result of ongoing engagement with residents and ward councillors since 2021.

“In the full business case we have set out our proposals for final packages of measures which we hope to develop over the next two years, subject to detailed design work, funding, further engagement with communities on detailed designs and, where appropriate, experimental trials.”

Rigby added: “We want the outcomes of Liveable Neighbourhood scheme to support the council’s wider policies to tackle the climate emergency, improve travel choices and create healthier, safer active travel routes.”

The LTNs would also help reduce the need for short car journeys with recent stats showing how 42 percent of all journeys under three km in Bath are undertaken by private vehicles.

The 11 areas where the council is proposing a package of measures include Church Street and Prior Park Road, Whitchurch Village and Queen Charlton, Southlands Area (Weston), New Sydney Place and Sydney Road.

Other areas include Lyme Road and Charmouth Road area, Lower Lansdown and The Circus, Temple Cloud, Pulteney Estate area, London Road and Snow Hill area, Entry Hill, Bath as well as Chelsea Road area.

The council said it originally planned to develop 15 LTNs during this first phase, but due to cost issues, it settled on asking for 11 to be introduced.

The council has requested the remaining £3.78million of the £5.1million funds plus an additional £1.81million which it estimates it needs to deliver the programme in full.

The council is also currently trialling an LTN restriction in New Sydney Place and Sydney Road with restrictions due to be rolled out in the Lower Lansdown area before the end of the year.

But drivers in the area are already furious over the proposal with one person sharing: “You are pushing so much more traffic along Newbridge Road, cars parked right on the corners of off streets, can hardly see trying to pull out.

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“There also need to be another crossing it’s getting more dangerous trying to cross the road and especially for children who walk to school. There needs to be an assessment before there a big accident.”

Someone else shared: “Have you asked the residents if this is what they want or is it just to suit your non cars, pro bicycle agenda?”