What are Low Traffic Neighbourhoods?

Low Traffic Neighbourhood (or LTN) is a term that you may have heard with increasing frequency over the past few years, as more of them have been gradually implemented in more towns and cities across the UK. In many ways, the term is fairly self-explanatory – as you’ve probably surmised, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are primarily distinguished by lower numbers of vehicles, including cars, vans, HGVs and motorcycles. That’s usually achieved through a variety of traffic calming measures, often including static or automatic bollards.

So then, what’s the central idea behind them?

What is a Low Traffic Neighbourhood?

A Low Traffic Neighbourhood is a residential area that’s been deliberately designed to reduce the flow of traffic through its boundaries, using traffic-calming measures such as modal filters and permanent bollards. The central idea behind LTNs is essentially to improve the quality of life for residents, primarily by making their streets generally safer, cleaner and greener.

Reducing the amount of traffic that flows through a neighbourhood improves air quality right off the bat, and also means that residents have more freedom to walk and cycle instead of driving – which is often cheaper, healthier, and less damaging for the environment. It’s worth noting that cycling can be particularly intimidating in heavy traffic, as you may well know if you’ve ever had to do it!

Partially for this reason, there are (perhaps unsurprisingly) plenty of LTNs implemented in various areas of London – including Camden, Ealing and Lambeth – as well as in other cities like Oxford, Edinburgh and Bristol. As an extra bonus, they can also help people to feel more connected to their neighbours, so it’s easy to see why they’re often successful in dense urban areas.

[H2] What traffic calming measures are involved?

Most Low Traffic Neighbourhoods incorporate a variety of traffic calming measures, all working in tandem to cut the rate of through-traffic. Here, we’ve listed just a few of the most effective:

• Modal filters. Sometimes known as point closures, a modal filter is a type of road design that restricts or prevents the passage of most vehicles. They often utilise bollards, boom barriers or planters to physically block the road.
• Speed reduction measures. These may include speed bumps (sometimes affectionately referred to as sleeping policemen), raised zebra crossings, and chicanes – all of which help manage the speed of the relatively few vehicles that are able to travel within the LTN’s boundaries
• Signage and road markings. Markings and signage are useful for improving visibility and awareness (for pedestrians and drivers alike), and as an extra bonus, some communities choose to decorate suitable signs with charming illustrations or plant life, adding extra character without detracting from their functional purpose.
• Road closures. Some streets in LTNs are closed to through-traffic entirely, thereby making them open to pedestrians and cyclists only.

So that’s all the basics on LTNs! And if you’re looking for the best way to control vehicle access in or around your own premises, you’re in exactly the right place. At Bollard Security, we offer a vast range of telescopic and automatic bollards, and our team of experts are readily available to assist you in selecting the ideal ones for your needs. Get in touch on 01756 636 196, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you protect your business and investments even further!