Where we're going, we don't need roads - or do we?

In an increasing number of boroughs across London and other areas throughout the UK a new climate change initiative is being rolled out. The "LTN" or Low Traffic Neighbourhood is a scheme whereby the local councils have closed access to vehicles for certain roads. Under the guise of "social distancing", "improving the area for residents", "covid measures" and "benefits to health" - forcing people to walk and cycle in these neighbourhoods - these closures have been pushed through in many cases with no public consultation, again with the "covid" get out of jail free card as the reason.

Now it may seem an idyllic paradise, aligned to the emission-free future we aspire to make reality. Pedestrianised areas around schools, shops and restaurants, providing a healthier, community-focussed atmosphere.. At least one has to assume that was the sales pitch swallowed by those responsible for the chaos that has ensued.

The closing of roads that made up "rat runs" has not succeeded in removing traffic, it's simply been re-routed. Re-routed to the main arteries of the area where there is now genuine stand-still traffic, belching out many more times the pollution from the now non-moving or slow moving vehicles. Not only has the traffic affected journey times but now many routes to local amenities, such as the local supermarket - hardly a journey one could take on a bike if you're doing the weekly shop, have accessibility issues or children in-tow - or to the local hospital, a journey that for some has seen a 5 minute drive turn into a half hour expedition.

Where sat navs and then smartphones have turned these once quiet residential streets into the rat run highways over the past decade, the road network has become strained in ways that were never foreseen. It's understandable that road use should be tailored to suit the requirements of the local area but it should be aligned to the current need or at least with a sensible alternative.

With so many being forced to go out of their way and spend more time on the road in their cars, it seems lunacy for this scheme to remain in the long-term. There are plenty ways of introducing measures to reduce pollution and encourage communities to use more human-powered or public transport, this is not it.