Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) - Oxford, Cowley area

Introduction

During March 2021, Oxfordshire County Council introduced a trial of 3 Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) within the Cowley area. This means the introduction of traffic filters at specific points across Church Cowley, Temple Cowley and Florence Park. A Low Traffic Neighbourhood is an area where through traffic is prevented so that residents can enjoy a quieter neighbourhood and feel safer when they walk, cycle or go by wheelchair.

The LTN will prevent people from outside the area driving through the neighbourhood by the use of “traffic filters” which can be either planters or bollards. Where there is a bus route, camera enforcement filters will permit buses, taxis and private hire vehicles through, but prevent all other motorised vehicles.

All streets will continue to be accessible to residents, visitors and deliveries by car or van, but drivers may need to choose a different route. The LTN will not affect parking in the area except at the filters where some additional areas of double yellow lines have been introduced for safety reasons and to permit turning traffic.

What do I need to do?

All residents’ homes remain accessible by car, van and lorry, but those driving may need to change their routes to get there.

• It is important that if you live on or drive along any of the following roads that you plan your route ahead to be ready for the changes.
• You can open the location plans to look at where the filters are. The detailed filter plans show the exact location and any new double yellow lines to be introduced.

A traffic filter is either a bollard or a planter. The traffic filters will prevent all motorised traffic (including cars, taxis, vans, lorries and motorcycles) passing through the filter. Those which are on bus routes will permit buses, taxis and private hire vehicles to pass through. Cyclists, pedestrians and those using disability buggies can pass through all the filters.

Why is the Council doing this in the Cowley area?

Temple Cowley, Church Cowley and Florence Park have been chosen as a priority for two main reasons.

Firstly, the neighbourhoods suffer because many drivers from outside the area take shortcuts along the residential streets. Many residents have complained to the Council about the problems of short-cutting traffic including noise, danger and nuisance.

Secondly, there are strategic cycle routes running through the neighbourhoods which serve both the local areas and areas further out. Traffic makes cycling and walking along these routes unattractive. The Council aims to make these cycle routes more pleasant in support of wider policies to support active travel, reduce air pollution and tackle climate change.

What did Cowley residents say about the LTN?

In December 2020, we sent out letters to all residents inviting them to fill in an on-line asking their opinion of the LTN proposals. Over 1000 residents responded to the survey. Residents in all 3 areas expressed majority support for their local LTN proposal.

What happens next?

We are introducing the LTN via a legal process called an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). ETROs are used when it is very difficult to assess the impacts of the scheme beforehand, but the cost of implementation is relatively low.

In an ETRO, the Council introduces the scheme as an experiment first and there is then a six-month period after the scheme is introduced when the public can see for themselves the impact of the scheme and the Council can monitor its impacts. At the end of the six-month period, the Council assesses the impacts, including any letters of support or objections, and decides whether to confirm, cancel or extend the ETRO for up to 12 months longer to allow further consultation and monitoring.

What will the Council be monitoring?

The Council is setting up a comprehensive monitoring programme to fully understand the impacts of the scheme. This includes monitoring the impacts of motorised traffic within the areas and traffic along the surrounding main roads, air pollution and noise levels, and cycling and walking levels on the main cycle routes. We will also be asking the opinions of residents, visitors and businesses as the LTN scheme continues.

Leave your comments.

Please read the information provided on this consultation, your views and opinions matter. Please take the time to complete the survey, your response should be completed and returned by Friday 19 November 2021.

Whilst we will endeavour to answer simple queries during the course of the consultation, due the potentially large volume of responses received any more complex questions/issues will be appraised and dealt with as part of consultation process.

When will a decision be made?

The County Council will review the responses and prepare a report to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Highway Management at a meeting provisionally scheduled for early in 2022. This will be a public meeting at which members of the public may apply to speak. The agenda and reports for this meeting will be available on the Oxfordshire County Council web site about a week before the meeting (please note that occasionally it is necessary to defer reports to a later meeting, and it is therefore advisable to check the agenda ahead of attending a meeting). The Forward Plan of decisions meetings can be viewed here.