Most Londoners 'want more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods' as cars to be banned on Oxford Street

A woman walks past a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) barrier
-Credit: (Image: Carl Court/Getty Images)


A new survey has found that most Londoners are in favour of more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20mph speed limits. The study claims that 70 per cent of the city's residents want traffic decreased or banned in more places, and 60 per cent agreed that all roads across the city should limit vehicles' speeds more harshly.

In addition, the Cyclomedia research concluded that most residents (76 per cent) also believe that e-bikes should be treated the same as mopeds (taxed, insured and have a number plate), and 88 per cent felt that cycle lanes should be compulsory when one is available.

The questionnaire was carried out by the research agency Multiscope, on behalf of Cyclomedia, in June 2024 across 32 European cities, including 19 capitals, with 12,000 respondents. More than 1,000 people in London took part.

READ MORE: London buses and taxis to also be banned from Oxford Street in pedestrianisation plans

A spokesperson for Cyclomedia said: "Now in its third year, the Cyclomedia Urban Road Safety Index examined transport trends and road safety opinions in 32 European cities, including London, where 1,035 people were questioned. Perceptions of safety, active travel, plus laws and rules regarding road safety were all examined.

"While the survey showed that Londoners are keen for more traffic calming and safety measures such as LTNs and 20mph limits, it also revealed that the rise of cleaner forms of transport are a cause for concern. Half of respondents (51 per cent) felt that road safety is getting worse because London is not equipped for new forms of urban transportation (e-bikes, e-scooters, cargo bikes).

"When asked what London authorities could do to improve road safety, the top answer for respondents was ‘better separation between road, cycle and bus lanes’, with 54 per cent. Furthermore, 53 per cent of Londoners agreed that councils prefer improving the infrastructure of motorists over the safety of other road users."

Sadiq Khan hints at more traffic bans

Sadiq Khan and Angela Rayner visit John Lewis in Oxford Street
The Mayor of London plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street -Credit:Adam Toms/MyLondon

It comes as Sadiq Khan hinted on Tuesday, September 17, that he could seek to ban traffic from more London shopping streets after announcing a plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street. Speaking to MyLondon on the roof of the street's branch of John Lewis on Tuesday afternoon (September 17), the Mayor of London said 'watch this space'.

Busy shopping areas in Central London include Regent Street, Bond Street, Sloane Street, King's Road, Carnaby Street and Piccadilly. For now, City Hall plans to designate Oxford Street as a Mayoral Development Area, giving the Greater London Authority planning powers.

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