Oxford LTNs: Oxford University research project to mediate debate

LTNs have been preventing traffic taking shortcuts through residential areas

Opposing sides in the debate on low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are to discuss their differences through a mediating service.

Oxfordshire County Council has endorsed the University of Oxford project, which will provide a discussion space for the often heated topic.

It aims to bring together those at odds and enable them "to listen to the other's point of view".

Oxford LTNs have led to protests, with bollards run over, burned and stolen.

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

Those opposed have said businesses have been adversely affected and that the LTNs have pushed congestion elsewhere.

The mediating project, which will run from March to July, is headed by "qualified mediator" Becks Sutton, as part of a new community engagement method called "Listening Exchanges".

A research team from the Global Centre on Healthcare & Urbanisation (GCHU) has been awarded funding by the university to explore the idea.

LTNs have prompted protests in Oxford

Independent Temple Cowley ward councillor Sajjad Malik called the project "another pointless exercise which the council hopes will give them a couple of Brownie points".

He added: "It has been loud and clear that the county council is not listening to the public.

"They will just tick a box saying they supported this scheme."

Green councillor Emily Kerr, who represents the St Mary's ward, said: "I'm a great admirer of GCHU's work and will be watching the results of this with interest.

"Their previous work back in 2022, the citizen's jury on transport, was really interesting.

"I think the key question is how to scale any results - we know this type of discussion can be really useful for the people directly involved but how can we scale that across the city?"

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson said it "supports the aims of the project which may provide valuable insight into differing views in our communities".

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