Ministers curb cash for low traffic neighbourhoods

MINISTERS have moved to stop the spread of controversial anti-traffic schemes by stopping them getting money from central Government.

The Department for Transport announced £200 million of new projects to promote walking and cycling yesterday that specifically excluded low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs).

It comes amid growing anger from motorists at the measures now common in London, which include closing streets to cars as well as creating wider pavements and more cycle lanes in a bid to cut traffic and pollution.

Some drivers say the fines for entering the zones are a cash cow for town halls while the Mail has revealed that LTNs have delayed more than 200 ambulances reaching callouts in the capital. Residents have taken to dismantling the furniture and covering the cameras that police them – or even setting them on fire.

The DfT said in its announcement of 265 new ‘active travel’ schemes in 60 areas of England: ‘The winning projects have demonstrated they provide people with attractive choices to use cycling and walking for local journeys, and do not include any low traffic neighbourhood schemes.

‘Local authorities have worked closely with local people to ensure the schemes benefit the community as a whole.’

It comes as Transport Secretary Mark Harper admitted that the latest figures revealed that motorists who break down on smart motorways are twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured than those on conventional highways.

Labour MP Sarah Champion said: ‘It is high time the Government removed the risk they have introduced to our motorways.’