Low Traffic Neighbourhood Schemes (LTN)

Many of Harrow's residential estates have suffered from vehicular traffic using residential streets as a cut-through, causing environmental and road safety problems for residents. There have also been concerns reported to us by local residents about levels of traffic and speeding. Public engagement in the summer considered the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) to reduce and slow down traffic in four residential areas with a history of problems with vehicular through traffic.

With limited public transport capacity due to social distancing, we are seeing car use return to pre-Covid levels as people go back to work and school, leading to problems with road safety and environmental pollution.

We realise many people who want to walk or cycle more are put off by traffic. During lockdown there was an increase in walking and cycling because of the reduced impact of traffic. By introducing LTNs we want to make it easier for people to choose to walk or cycle, improving the borough's health and environment.

The four LTN schemes we have implemented enable access for residents to their homes but restrict drivers that just wish to pass right through the area on their way to somewhere else without stopping.

Filter measures allow pedestrians and cyclists to pass through the points of closure but restrict through vehicles, reclaiming the streets for local residents.

A 20mph speed limit has been introduced in the area of the LTNs (where the speed limit was 30mph) to support pedestrians and cyclists.

Experimental traffic orders have been used to introduce the 20mph speed limits and road closures / filter measures.

A list of the schemes implemented are shown below.

The schemes will be reviewed every month to consider their local impact and to decide whether changes are required. This takes account of traffic surveys and views of key stakeholders such as bus operators, emergency services and the views of local residents.

All the LTN schemes will be trialled for 6 months and will then be reviewed and reported to the Council's Traffic & Road Safety Advisory Panel (TARSAP) to consider their future. TARSAP can consider removing the schemes, extending the trial up to a maximum of 18 months or to make the schemes permanent.

Additional information showing scheme information leaflets and traffic management orders can be seen by clicking on the tiles below.

If you have any feedback on a LTN please complete the comments form below.