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Thread on the emergency services and opposition to low traffic neighbourhoods. Last week, as I cycled through some of London’s filtered and over speed humps, it got me thinking about the emergency services and how some people want to use this issue to remove LTNs. 1/11
As filtering is just another form of traffic calming we have been here before with speed humps. Some people opposed speed humps because they slow down the emergency services. This 2007 DfT advisory note https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540157/emergency-services-traffic-calming-tal-1-07.pdf explains about emergency services & speed humps. 2/11
Exactly the same principles apply today for LTNs – principally consultation with emergency services and this is important ’Agree a road hierarchy which includes strategic routes for emergency access’. Certainly this was done in Enfield and have been improved during the trial 3/11
But despite their ineffectiveness and downsides, many of those opposing LTNs suggest that speed humps would be a better solution - at least suggesting that this form of traffic calming is no longer an issue. But why have speed humps or indeed LTNs if 'every second counts'? 4/11
Because it isn’t that straightforward and a balance of risk has to be made. On one hand, you might have delays (leave aside the temporary nature of out-of-date sat-navs*) and using strategic routes is a good solution to minimise them. 5/11
On the other hand, if an area is safer and LTNs areas are safer then lives will be saved through a reduction in those killed or seriously injured. https://findingspress.org/article/18330-the-impact-of-introducing-low-traffic-neighbourhoods-on-road-traffic-injuries 6/11
Also if LTNs allow more active lifestyles, more walking and cycling, then that is also a positive as there will be fewer heart attacks etc. leading to longer, more healthy lives. Who knows, maybe people will need ambulances less often. 7/11
*Problems with out-of-date sat-navs pre-date LTNs by years – see this alert sent out over 5 years ago. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540157/emergency-services-traffic-calming-tal-1-07.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0VEGOXcd8Sa9YkCi2iIOipEzlgRjVI3RYEd19Evz8XTrboL356y5Cflpk This problem should be solved but it is a bigger issue than LTNs. 8/11
But I am also reminded of the discussions we had around cycle lanes, where some suggested that the roadworks were causing too many problems, therefore we shouldn't have cycle lanes. Now some are saying temporary emergency services delays aren't worth the gains LTNs bring. 9/12
And for those worried about this issue should be re-assured by this: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/13/covid-bike-and-walking-schemes-do-not-delay-ambulances-trusts-say 10/11
Perhaps the same people wouldn't complain if the delays or roadworks were for a new water main or improved drainage (or even other road improvements) - these things are vital right? Isn't it vital that we enable more people to walk and cycle? 11/11
