Women ‘feel much safer’ at night in Oxford’s LTNs | Oxford Mail
Eirian Jane Prosser
Women feel safer with new LTNs
A NUMBER of women have come out in support of the divisive new Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme (LTNs), claiming they fear less for their personal safety with fewer cars on the roads.
When the LTN scheme was introduced last month to areas in Cowley and Florence Park, some residents argued that women may feel unsafe walking around quieter streets, particularly in light of the Sarah Everard case.
Since then, however, women who live in LTN zones have come forward to say they feel no less safe with reduced traffic on the road – and some claim the quieter streets actually make them feel more confident going out alone.
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Ruth Ballantyne, from Florence Park, said she now feels safer as a result of the LTNs.
She said: “I always disliked walking past Florence Park at night before the LTNs existed.
“However, whilst the streets were quiet enough for me to feel unsafe, they weren’t quiet enough for me to dare to cycle.
“Now I now feel safe enough to cycle, which will actually make me feel much safer at night.”
The LTNs were introduced in the area by Oxfordshire County Council as part of a six-month trial.
