We put in LTNs, which use measures such as traffic filters, to help reduce motor vehicle traffic. With less traffic we aim to improve road safety for all users, encourage travel in more active and healthy ways, support the local economy and make streets nicer places to be, reduce air pollution and improve air quality. LTNs were recommended in our long-term transport strategy agreed in 2019. They were introduced more quickly than planned because of Covid-19.
The impact of the scheme so far
We’ve been keeping track of traffic, air quality and cycling in the Ferndale LTN, and here’s what we’ve found out:
- Overall, traffic reduced by 6%, or around 6000 vehicles a day, when measuring traffic volumes on all the roads within the LTN and on the boundary roads.
- Traffic reduced by 47% on internal streets. On boundary roads (external streets) it increased by 8%.
- Significant reductions in traffic on Concannon Road (94%), Sandmere Road (79%), Ferndale Road East - close to the Ferndale Community Sports Centre (83%), Dalyell Road near Lansdowne School (68%).
- Cycling has increased by 58% on internal roads and by 55% on external roads.
- Specific roads with big increases in cycling include Combermere Road (99%), Ferndale Road East (215%), Hargwyne Street (104%) and Sandmere Road (67%)).
- Traffic has increased on some roads and we are looking into ways to improve this, outlined in ‘Improving the LTN’.
- All the places where we analysed air quality that were classed as sensitive, such as outside schools and care homes, had air quality within legal limits. This includes sensitive sites on boundary roads.
- Overall air quality in Lambeth is improving, partly due to measures such as the Ultra-Low Emission Zone. We expect to see greater improvements over time.