A DECISION to make keep low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Cowley, Oxford, has been criticised by councillors and residents.

The controversial measures, which enable the use of giant plant pots and bollards to close off side roads to through traffic, were experimental but have been made permanent by Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green councillors in charge of the county.

The decision, which relates to LTNs in Church Cowley, Florence Park and Temple Cowley, came with a promise to “undertake further community and stakeholder engagement in order to further refine and improve the scheme” by spring 2023.

READ MORE: Councillors vote to keep LTNs in Cowley forever

Potential amendments include replacing some hard closures with automatic number plate recognition cameras, reviewing the exact locations of some restrictions and replacing some with “elements such as parklets in order to deliver public realm improvements”. 

Campaigners welcomed the decision, saying it will encourage more people to cycle and walk rather than drive and that it will reduce air pollution.

Dr Alison Hill, who chairs Cyclox, a group campaigning to get people cycling more often and more safely in Oxford, said she was delighted with the decision.

She said: “We have been campaigning for four and a half years in support of this and we are delighted with the decision.

“We have supported it because LTNs mean that people are encouraged to walk and cycle rather than drive as the traffic in those areas is reduced.

“It’s one step in the right direction to encourage people to become less car dependent.”

But residents and councillors said they are unhappy with the decision.

On Tuesday last week, about 100 people gathered to protested against LTNs ahead of a full meeting of Oxfordshire County Council. 

Sajjad Malik, who represents Temple Cowley on Oxford City Council, said: “It’s a disaster, these councillors are not listening to the people of Oxford.

“Businesses in my ward have been struggling since the introduction of LTNs and my fear is that the welfare of the people in my ward is being compromised.

“Not everyone is able to cycle or walk everywhere and the whole thing sounds like a political slogan to me.”

Maggie Brown, who lives in Morrell Avenue, said: “I am just amazed at the fact that they won’t listen to us – there are so many people against it and it’s damaging for businesses.

“We did a walk around the area about two weeks ago and most businesses said they lost about 25 per cent of their trade since the LTNs were introduced.

“It’s unfair – there’s no thought for the elderly or the disabled. I’m 73 and I am not going to get on a bike or a scooter. It’s taking people so much longer to get anywhere.

“Come September the city will become so busy and it will be even worse.”

 

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi