Councils made to consider public support on low-traffic neighbourhoods
The move was announced by the Department for Transport
Councils will be made to consider whether the public support low-traffic neighbourhoods, according to the Department for Transport.
Low-traffic neighbourhoods are created by using the likes of wooden bollards in order to block off access to certain roads that would typically be used as through roads.
Through the use of these bollards, vehicle numbers can be reduced, which makes the local roads safer for people living on the affected streets.
The Department has now published draft statutory guidance for councils regarding the establishment of low-traffic neighbourhoods, considering emergency services and the impact the schemes have for disabled residents.
However, the Department also found there were higher rates of receiving a Penalty Charge Notice in areas where schemes are in place - with some areas reaching an average of 37,000 tickets issued.
The new guidance says that should councils fail to deliver schemes to easy access for local residents, future funding from the government could be withdrawn, with control over the roads being passed onto Westminster directly.
Local residents have previously voiced their opposition to their council's plans; in November 2023, a group of residents protested by blocking cars on a road in Streatham Wells in South London.
Following pressure from the local community, the local scheme was removed from use - and with the new guidance, the Department says it can ensure reversing schemes will be a thing of the past.
"We want local people to have their voices heard, and any traffic schemes to have the consent of those they impact," Transport Secretary Mark Harper said.
"Well thought out schemes, like 20mph limits outside schools, can make our roads safer, but we are raising the bar to help ensure all traffic schemes work for everyone in the community.
"We're on the side of drivers, and these latest measures show we're getting on with delivering what we promised in our Plan for Drivers - making their lives better, fairer and cheaper, and helping people travel in the way that works best for them."
Among the other plans the Department included were an upgrade of all traffic lights across the country, as well as new guidance on using bus lanes only "when it makes sense".