Low-traffic zones increased congestion, TfL admits

"The transport body has been shifting policy away from accommodating private-vehicle use as part of an overall aim of ensuring 80% of journeys made in London by 2041 are by walking, cycling or on public transport. This has involved carving off some road space for extra bus lanes and the implementation of LTNs. Measures such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) levy and the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) are also part of City Hall's drive to reduce reliance on cars in London."

"Carl Eddleston, TfL's director of streets and network operations, said LTNs "provide significant safety and active travel benefits", adding: "Most of them are on borough roads, so they're not a TfL decision. "In some locations they have added congestion to the local area, but nearly all of them have been huge successes. We do need to continue to actively review them there's been a huge amount of listening to communities and tweaks to LTNs.""

Extra bus lanes and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have increased car congestion in parts of London while shifting policy away from accommodating private vehicles. TfL aims for 80% of journeys by 2041 to be walking, cycling or public transport, using measures such as bus lanes, LTNs, the Ultra Low Emission Zone and the Congestion Charge Zone. LTNs reduce motor traffic in residential areas using cameras, planters or lockable bollards. The mayor's net-zero by 2030 goal relies on a 27% reduction in car kilometres. Officials say increased public and active travel will cut congestion, but falling bus speeds and London’s slow driving record raise questions. TfL intends to review LTNs and make community-driven tweaks.

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