Oxford's low traffic neighbourhoods made permanent by council

LTNs are designed to prevent traffic taking shortcuts through residential areas

Three more low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are to be made permanent in Oxford.

The controversial decision was announced at a heated Oxfordshire County Council meeting earlier.

But the wooden bollards will be replaced with Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, and taxis, emergency services, bin lorries and post vans will now be allowed through.

The LTNs are based on Divinity Road, St. Clement's, and St. Mary's.

They prevent traffic taking shortcuts through residential areas, and are intended to make streets safer for walking and cycling.

But Tuesday's meeting was rowdy at times. Council leader Liz Leffman warned she would have to bring it to a close if people did not stop making noise.

"You're not doing your own cause much good by shouting at people when they're making their representation," she said.

LTNs were introduced in east Oxford in May 2022 and have prompted protests, with bollards run over, burned and stolen.

They have met opposition from some motorists and businesses, as well as being blamed for increasing ambulance response times and affecting teacher recruitment.

LTNs in Oxford have been controversial from the beginning

Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, told those gathered: "We have all got too used to the idea that road space is something we can help ourselves to - as much of it as we would like, whenever we like.

"That it is somehow free, that we can have it whenever we want, like breathing the air. It is not. It is a finite resource and it is full."

James Schumann, from the Divinity Road Area Residents Association, said LTNs had created "quieter streets and better neighbourhoods".

He said residential streets "not designed for high traffic levels" were now "safe for pedestrians, people on mobility scooters, cargo bikes and cyclists, who can now use these narrow streets to get to school, work and the shops".

'Selfish minority'

But ahead of the cabinet's decision to approve the LTNs, resident Anne Stares called it a "mock show of democracy".

She added: "The people and businesses of the city will not forget your disregard of their pleas and suffering in favour of a selfish minority of idealists who whine that they want to amble in the road."

Restaurateur Clinton Pugh said his businesses had seen a "huge decline".

"You haven't listened, you haven't engaged… basically this is a misconduct in public office," he said.

Last year LTNs on Littlemore Road, Littlehay Road, and Crescent Road were made permanent following an 18-month trial.

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