Low traffic neighbourhood proposed for town

Low traffic neighbourhoods have been introduced in communities across the country

Darlington's council is considering introducing low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) to the town.

LTNs, which minimise through-traffic on residential streets, have been met with protest elsewhere in the country.

The idea could be trialled in Darlington as part of a wider effort to improve road safety.

Labour and Green politicians say LTNs help to create safer and more attractive neighbourhoods, but independent councillor Kevin Nicholson wants public transport prioritised.

Conservative Councillor and leader of the opposition Jonathan Dulston said the LTN could come across as "anti-motorist" and prevent growth if not thought through correctly.

"Any trials in Darlington would need a high level of scrutiny before being implicated," he added.

Labour councillor Libby McCollom said: "Safe neighbourhoods are so important to communities because they allow us to walk our dogs, ride bikes with our kids and connect with our neighbours without having to worry about potential dangers.

“An LTN is one of a number of potential ways of achieving this."

Matthew Snedker visited successful LTNs in the Netherlands

Matthew Snedker, leader of Darlington's Green group, believes LTNs in the town would "make streets quieter, cleaner and safer".

He added: "Nobody consulted people about the huge increases in traffic on quiet, residential streets.

"LTNs would redress the balance and go back to residential streets being primarily for residential users."

But independent councillor Kevin Nicholson said he felt there were no suitable locations in the town and called on the council to focus instead on improving public transport.

LTNs increased during the coronavirus pandemic, but prime minister Rishi Sunak ordered a review into their use last year after concerns were raised over their impact on businesses, surrounding roads and emergency service response times.

An LTN in the Jesmond area of Newcastle was removed last month with the local authority citing pressures faced by local businesses and increased traffic on other roads.

Darlington's council says it will take into account the impact an LTN could have on emergency response times and traffic displacement before deciding on a trial location.