Ruth Cadbury Gives Backing to 'Well-designed' LTNs

Takes part in an ePetition debate after 200,000 called for a review

Ruth Cadbury speaking in the House of Commons

May 23, 2024

Ruth Cadbury MP has backed the concept of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in a House of Commons debate triggered by ePetitions calling for a review.

Over 200,000 people had signed online demands for such schemes to be reconsidered which was sufficient for the issue to be put on the parliamentary agenda.

Ms Cadbury, who will be defending the Brentford & Isleworth seat for Labour at the General Election on 4 July, said in the debate this Monday (20 May) that she supported LTNs that were well designed.

In her speech she pointed out that there have been ‘LTNs’ with barrier closures of roads in her constituency for decades which have not been challenged, such as Chiswick Lane/Beverley Road in Chiswick that protects Netheravon and Airedale Roads and on Worple Road in Isleworth.

She added that many of the new traffic restrictions implemented during the pandemic came about because residents had long been lobbying councillors to address local traffic problems. Locations she listed included Green Dragon Lane and Occupation Lane in Brentford, the “Teesdales” in Isleworth, Wellesley Road in Chiswick and the South Chiswick Liveable Neighbourhood.

She claimed that they had all achieved what they set out to do; a significant cut in through traffic, an end to continuous traffic jams and conflict at peak time, speeding at other times and increased walking and cycling due to the safer environment. She also referenced data that showed a cut in traffic on boundary roads too although this is disputed by opponents of the schemes. She added that councils must consult again after implementation, and amend LTNs if needed, as Hounslow has done in places including on Turnham Green Terrace, with changed restrictions and improved signage.

She lauded the advantages of more recent camera technology that Hounslow Council uses, meaning that any vehicle can enter or leave an LTN road or area as long as they don’t pass straight through from one side to the other. She made no mention of the revenue raised by fines from drivers passing enforcement cameras on restricted roads.

As evidence that LTNs were not unpopular, she pointed out that a Labour councillor was elected to represent the Chiswick Riverside ward for the first time in 48 years after the Conservatives had campaigned locally against the South Chiswick Liveable Neighbourhood scheme.

Speaking after the debate she said, “We all want choices, and those living in residential roads being used as a cut-through should have the choice as to whether or not they want their road to be a short-cut for long distance drivers alternatively speeding or causing traffic jams while causing safety issues for local people choosing to walk or cycle. The alternative can be a quiet, safe environment that everyone can enjoy, and with camera technology, one where no vehicle is restricted from entering.”

Laura Blumenthal, Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Brentford and Isleworth, said, "Residents tell me one thing all the time: they just want to be listened to. All roads and people are different so genuine consultation is important, before and after any traffic restrictions are introduced. Local people and businesses are the ones who will know about any unintended consequences and dangers that may spring up so they need to be heard. We all want safer and more pleasant streets but not at the cost of pushing the problem elsewhere."

Due to boundary changes the Brentford and Isleworth constituency no longer includes the wards in the Chiswick area which now form part of the new Chiswick and Hammersmith constituency.