Reading @transportgovuk's new 'Gear Change: a bold change for cycling and walking'.

"Residential side streets across the country can be blighted by rat-running."

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/904146/gear-change-a-bold-vision-for-cycling-and-walking.pdf

" #Lowtrafficneighbourhoods will be created in many more groups of residential streets by installing point closures – for example, bollards or planters – on some of the roads.

"It would still be possible to access any road in the area........"

"But motor traffic would not be able to use the roads as
through routes.

"Streets within #lowtrafficneighbourhoods will provide clear, direct routes for cyclists and pedestrians promoting walking and cycling."

"Accidents, pollution & noise will be dramatically reduced for residents.

"We will consult on creating a community right to close side streets and create #lowtrafficneighbourhoods, with groups of residential side streets able to petition local authorities for rat-run closures."

To sum up: 'there will be less rat-running and many more #LowTrafficNeighbourhoods'

Clear that what is happening here in #ovaltriangleltn & elsewhere has the support of @transportgovuk @10DowningStreet (as well as @BorisJohnson & @mragilligan)

There will always be differences of opinion at the local level about such schemes.

We need to work together to resolve them.

But they have to be seen in a national context, not just as disagreements between a local council, councillors & some residents.

See that @peterwalker99 of @guardian has identified the people power angle of #LowTrafficNeighbourhoods as the lead in his take on this announcement.

"Residents will get powers to banish through-traffic from local streets....." https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/27/residents-to-get-new-decision-making-powers-in-cycling-revolution

Looking forward to the official launch of this policy which is, apparently, today..