A new study has suggested that low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) can significantly reduce road injuries and deaths, with the researchers behind the paper also stating that concerns such schemes move danger onto nearby roads “aren’t supported by the evidence”.

The study, titled ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in London reduce road traffic injuries: a controlled before-and-after analysis (2012–2024)’, was published in the British Medical Journal by researchers from Westminster University and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and first reported by The Guardian.

Cyclist next to an LTN planter, Hackney, London
Cyclist next to an LTN planter (Image Credit: Adwitiya Pal)

Its aim was to assess the impact of LTNs across Greater London, 113 having been implemented between 2015 and 2024 and 27 subsequently removed. The study looked at the impacts on road traffic injuries and deaths inside LTNs, as well as on ‘boundary roads’ immediately surrounding LTNs.

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This is significant as a commonly heard criticism of the low-traffic schemes is that they shift traffic, congestion, pollution or injuries from one area to other roads nearby, however this was not the case, according to the researchers, just as other studies have noted zero impact on boundary road air quality as well.

The study saw police-recorded injuries from STATS19 data matched to Ordnance Survey road links that were spatially intersected with LTNs/boundary roads. Road casualties were analysed from 2012 to 2024, with some road links that did not become part of a boundary or LTN used as a control group.

Arnold Circus LTN
Arnold Circus LTN (Image Credit: via Bob From Accounts on Twitter)

LTNs were associated with a 35 per cent reduction in all injuries and a 37 per cent reduction in deaths and serious injuries, which researchers concluded meant an absolute terms prevention of more than 600 road injuries, including 100 incidents of deaths or serious injuries.

If an LTN was removed, the injury numbers increased back to pre-installation levels and there was “no evidence of a change in total injury numbers” on boundary roads. Notably, the researchers estimate that had 27 of the 113 LTNs not been removed, then there would have been 116 fewer injuries, 16 of which would have involved serious injuries or death.

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The researchers definitely concluded: “LTNs in London reduced road traffic injuries among all road users inside the LTN areas, with no evidence of overall impact (and for cyclists and motorcyclists a benefit) on boundary roads.”

They also noted that the safety boost appeared to be less significant for schemes implemented in outer London.

“LTNs have led to considerable reductions in road traffic injuries inside their boundaries for all road users – from pedestrians and cyclists to drivers,” one of the study’s authors Dr Jamie Furlong commented. “At the same time, concerns about nearby main roads becoming more dangerous aren’t supported by the evidence.”

The research follows other studies which have suggested LTNs can have a positive impact on traffic levels and casualties.