Low traffic neighbourhood LTN
A low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) is a scheme where motor vehicle traffic in residential streets is greatly reduced. Other terms describing similar approaches to highway and neighbourhood planning include: homezones or home zone residential areas, traffic management schemes, people friendly streets, modal filters, play streets, school street schemes, pedestrian priority schemes, pedestrian priority streets and so on.
The definition of a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) used in the Statutory guidance - Implementing low traffic neighbourhoods published by the UK government reads "An area-wide traffic management scheme aimed at reducing or removing through traffic from residential areas, put in place using traffic signed restrictions or physical measures such as planters or bollards."
Sustrans defines the way low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are created as being "by minimising the amount of traffic that comes from vehicles using the streets to get to another destination. This is often referred to as ‘through-traffic’ or ‘rat-running’. Private motorised vehicles still have easy access to all homes and businesses without driving directly through the neighbourhood. This opens up networks of streets so people can safely travel through the area on foot, bicycle, by wheeling or by bus. Emergency vehicles can also be prioritised to reach their destinations quicker.
"Traffic is reduced by using temporary or permanent barriers called “modal filters”. These can include putting up bollards or planters. Or they can be camera operated. Residents and businesses still have access to the neighbourhood by motor vehicle using different routes, but through-traffic is greatly reduced." Low Traffic Neighbourhoods; Research report. March 2024
In 2023 the Department for Transport commissioned a review of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 15 minute city.
- Accessible.
- Are electric bikes the future?
- Close proximity.
- Connectivity.
- Cycling and walking plan.
- Designing for pedestrians.
- Integrated transport system.
- London car charging infrastructure.
- Low traffic neighbourhood LTN
- Pathway
- Pavement.
- Pedestrianised.
- Pedestrian shed.
- Pedestrian priority street.
- Pop-up cycle lanes.
- Road traffic management.
- Safe pedestrian route.
- Sustainable transport.
- Terraced houses and the public realm.
- Transport assessment.
- Types of road and street.
- Walkable catchment.
- Walking distance.
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.