A Plan for York

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) are residential areas where through-traffic is restricted using measures like planters, bollards, or cameras to reduce vehicle traffic, noise, and air pollution, while improving safety for walking and cycling. They allow residents access to their homes by car, though through-routes are closed off, fostering quieter environments.

Studies have indicated a reduction in car ownership within established LTNs. Increased cycling and walking increases demand in local shops. Research suggests that reducing road capacity for motor vehicles does not simply displace traffic to surrounding areas, it can lead to “traffic evaporation”, where car use decreases.

Cyclists and pedestrians spend more in local shops than motorists. A study on town centres showed that improved infrastructure led to a 17 per cent decline in empty shops.

In York, the Groves is a permanent Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) implemented by City of York Council in 2022 following a 2020 trial, restricting through-traffic using bollards and planters. While reducing traffic and improving air quality internally, the scheme has split opinion, with increased congestion reported on surrounding boundary roads.

There are also smaller areas of York where bollards have been erected to restrict traffic movement such as Vyner Street, Fontayne Street and Melrosegate.

York’s pedestrian areas are designed to create a safer, more pleasant environment that enhances the historic city centre’s charm, allowing visitors to enjoy areas like The Shambles, Stonegate, and Petergate without the disruption of traffic. The city centre may be considered a low traffic neighbourhood for the many people that live there.

Research by Bentham and Reeves point out a disadvantage of LTNs – although they “may be bringing a boost to house prices for homeowners who live within them, the additional strain they place on surrounding roads with respect to increased traffic congestion is a deterrent to many homebuyers.”

Traffic evaporation needed.