Low traffic neighbourhood schemes cut air pollution on nearby roads | New Scientist
Schemes that aim to reduce traffic through certain streets have been accused of increasing air pollution on roads at their borders, but a study in London has found that the opposite is true
Environment 24 November 2022 Madeleine Cuff
Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), which use giant planters, barriers and cameras to restrict vehicle access to residential streets, lead to a reduction in traffic volume and nitrogen dioxide pollution both inside their perimeters and on boundary roads, according to a study of three such schemes in London. The findings run counter to claims by anti-LTN campaigners that the zones merely displace traffic and pollution to their boundary.
“Not only does traffic and air pollution reduce within the LTNs as you would expect, but we also found some reductions at the boundary areas, especially for air pollution,” says Audrey de Nazelle at Imperial College London. “The concern for air pollution is not a reason not to be in support of LTNs.”
