Battle over bollards as Rishi Sunak orders review into low-traffic neighbourhoods

The prime minister has ordered a review into low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). Rishi Sunak is reportedly concerned that they're displacing congestion to other roads and hindering access for emergency vehicles.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Rishi Sunak said he wants people to “use their cars to do all the things that matter to them”. The prime minister also confirmed there would be no budging on the 2030 scheduled ban on petrol and diesel vehicle sales, but criticised the ULEZ charges, which he likened to a "levy on taking your kids to football practice or do your weekly shop or see a GP".

LTNs are a network of streets with vehicle-blocking devices, like big planters, bollards and gates acting as barriers to drivers trying to get across towns and cities using quieter residential roads.

Many were implemented back in 2020 when the government pledged £225 million to local councils. Since that time, they’ve proved controversial.

Those that live in the areas say they love how quiet they make the roads, encouraging walking and cycling. But some motorists – furious at being impeded from accessing particular roads – have been known to move bollards and shift replacement traffic cones out of the way, to get to where they want to be on their terms.

The Department for Transport confirmed no further funding would be available from central government to support implementation of the schemes.