START DATE AND DURATION: April 2023Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) use a variety of different methods (such as barriers or cameras) to stop motorised through traffic from accessing a defined residential area, sometimes combined with other changes (such as traffic calming or street planting) to alter the feel of the area to make it a more pleasant and healthier for residents.
LTNs may lead to a range of health benefits such as increases in walking and cycling, reduced noise and air pollution, greater social cohesion, and reduced road traffic injuries. However, there is concern that low traffic neighbourhoods may displace traffic to other areas, and reducing mobility and access, particularly for people with disabilities. The potential benefits and harms of low traffic neighbourhoods may be experienced differently by different groups of people, which may affect health inequalities.
Our review aims to identify, evaluate summarise the existing evidence on the health impacts of LTN interventions. We will also investigate the circumstances that may influence the beneficial and harmful effects of LTN. We will also seek to understand the local authority evidence needs when planning and implementing LTN schemes.
The review is guided by:
- The local ARC Research Advisory Panel (RAP) representing members of the public from the local areas.
- A Policy Advisory Group (PAG) comprising researchers from public health, and transport, local and regional policy makers, and private sector experts in transport/infrastructure.
The results of the review are intended to help us identify answerable evidence gaps to support a future research application. We will create a policy summary of the current evidence base, systems map on what contexts and mechanisms influence the success of the delivery and outcomes of LTNs, and submit a review article to a peer-reviewed journal summarising the current evidence base from a health perspective.
