BY JACK WATSON

Louise Haigh, Labour’s transport minister, has expressed her support for low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), which would empower local councils nationwide to establish 20mph zones in urban areas. This initiative coincides with similar restrictions being introduced in Wales, where speed limits have sparked backlash from residents and road users. Following a poll published in The Telegraph showing that 70 percent of the population opposed these measures, the new First Minister of Wales has decided to phase them out, leaving Haigh in an embarrassing situation.

The previous government had restricted local councils from creating LTNs, a move that Haigh criticised, emphasising her desire, amusingly, to “end the culture wars.” She argued that it was wrong for the last government to impose such decisions from Whitehall. Haigh is all over the place – ending the culture wars is silencing popular dissent while condemning centralised decisions is seeming leaving her all alone to impose a policy no one wants.

LTNs involve closing off most side roads, which are typically blocked with planters and bollards, and using cameras to identify and penalize drivers who violate the guidelines. This initiative aims to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and enhance safety for walking and cycling—though critics argue it uses health and safety rhetoric to justify broader measures.However, critics contend that LTNs and 20mph speed limits may not effectively reduce pollution. By prohibiting access to side roads, drivers will be forced onto main roads, leading to increased congestion and traffic. As a result, the overall amount of pollution from vehicles may remain unchanged, as engines will still be running while stationary, counteracting any reductions achieved through slower driving. Additionally, rapid acceleration and abrupt braking can further diminish fuel efficiency. This approach is likely to frustrate drivers and extend travel times for those commuting. For instance, in Hull, a trip to Sheffield now takes an extra half hour due to 40mph and 30mph zones. Imagining even longer journeys with the introduction of more 20mph zones raises concerns about practicality, especially for those who commute or for children traveling to schools far from home.

The implementation of an LTN has a significant financial cost, averaging nearly £260,000 to the taxpayer. Unless exempt, drivers entering restricted areas without a permit will face fines; the standard penalty for driving into an LTN illegally is £130, halved to £65 if paid within the first 14 days. Over the past four years, the average LTN could have generated as much as £1.9 million in fines. This initiative appears to be another cash grab, reminiscent of Sadiq Khan’s controversial ultra-low emission zones, which have made driving in London frustrating and costly for petrol and diesel vehicle owners.

Public sentiment towards the ULEZ scheme is not favourable; data from The Telegraph indicates that 59% of people oppose it. Additional reports from Transport for London (TfL) have criticised its effectiveness, noting that the last expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2021 did not significantly reduce vehicle emissions throughout the capital. The introduction of LTNs has also faced backlash; only 22% of respondents reported a perceived improvement in air quality, while just 24% felt encouraged to travel by bike or on foot.

Protests against ULEZ expansion have erupted, leading to vandalism of cameras and signage. While any acts of vandalism should be condemned, Haigh’s decision to lift the ban on LTNs and 20mph speed limits is likely to meet similar resistance and fail, just as it did in Wales and under Khan’s ULEZ scheme in the UK.

One wonders why she is even bothering …

Jack Watson is a 15-year-old schoolboy, who has a Substack about being a Hull City fan. You can subscribe to it here.