Low-traffic schemes are driving congestion and pollution | Letters

Hilary Walker, Simon Jones and Lois Keith on how low-traffic neighbourhoods are blighting the lives of many residents. Plus a letter from Alun Gordon on how LTNs have helped his east London communityGeorge Monbiot overplays the delights of the community effect of low-traffic neighbourhoods in Oxford and underplays their disadvantages (Ignore the culture warriors ? low traffic neighbourhoods don?t close streets, they liberate them, 3 August). Those living in the arterial roads, which now contain higher volumes of traffic often at a standstill, are experiencing high levels of pollution. Small businesses are closing because customer access has become difficult and suppliers cannot reach them in a timely way. Taxi drivers need to take circuitous routes to deliver passengers.Those who need to drive cars or vans because of disability or for work are experiencing huge detours and delays. Buses cannot keep to their timetables so bus journeys are unreliable and less pleasant. Continue reading...