Have your say on the proposed new low traffic neighbourhoods for Oxford
Residents in Oxford are being asked to give their views on a series of proposed steps to introduce three low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in the east Oxford area to make residential roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
An LTN is an area where through-traffic is prevented to create streets with fewer vehicle movements so that residents can enjoy a quieter neighbourhood and feel safer when they walk or cycle. Following the trial implementation of LTNs in Cowley, the council is now planning to expand the trials into new areas of the city. This means the introduction of traffic filters at specific points across the Divinity Road, St Mary’s and St Clements areas.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “It is clear that business as usual on Oxford's streets is no longer tenable. We have traffic clogging our arterial routes, pollution levels that are putting lives at risk and roads that are unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians – we must find a better way.
“We’d like the specific views of residents on how they feel about the proposed measures to make sure we design a good scheme. All feedback is welcome.
“We are also considering wider schemes including the Zero Emission Zone and Connecting Oxford. The overall aim is to cut journey times, provide alternative transport options and improve safety but we can't get these measures right unless the community is part of their design, so please join the debate.”
An LTN will restrict non-residents driving through an area by using traffic filters, which can be either planters and/or bollards. All streets will continue to be accessible to residents, the emergency services, visitors and deliveries by car or van, but drivers will need to choose an alternative route for some areas.
Residents, councillors, disability groups and businesses have all been involved with shaping the design so the council could take their expert local knowledge into account. The council has also worked with all the emergency services, waste collection services and utilities companies to check the design allows their services to operate safely.
The proposed LTNs also offer quality of life changes. They can offer a safer environment, where cycling and walking conditions are more pleasant and where these forms of travel, combined with fewer vehicle movements, lead to cleaner air and lower emissions for all.
The LTNs will be implemented using an experimental traffic regulation order, which will be in place for a period of six months; the consultation webpage will be open for the whole six months after implementation for people to offer views on the scheme.
Residents, visitors and local businesses are being asked to share their opinions through a feedback survey on the proposed LTNs before they are implemented. Feedback will be carefully examined and included in the decision-making process.
If the proposed LTNs go ahead, they will be implemented on a six-month experimental basis before any decision is taken on their longer-term status. The council aims to begin the implementation in autumn 2021, subject to initial feedback.
The feedback survey opens on 8 June and closes at 23.59 on 29 June.
You can learn more about LTNs and examine some frequently asked questions on the council’s webpage on active travel.
Take part in the feedback survey:
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/eastoxfordltn
If you, or anyone else you know, needs a paper copy of the design or the feedback form please email or call the council’s customer service team on 01865 792 422. Please note our customer services team is unable to answer detailed questions about the LTN proposals.