Low traffic neighbourhoods as urban regeneration? The case of the UK

Many urban regeneration schemes recognise the need to develop a high-quality public realm, and to enhance local streetscapes, which can stimulate economic activity, and improve road safety. Traffic calming is one approach that can contribute to the urban design process in regeneration, to create people-centred neighbourhoods. This chapter focuses on the traffic calming measures that were introduced from 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to the pandemic, the UK government introduced a £224 million (€257 million) “Emergency Active Travel Fund”, which included support for the implementation of “Low Traffic Neighbourhoods” (LTNs). The chapter explores the impact of LTNs in terms of health, social, and economic factors, and also addresses emerging resistance and controversies surrounding these schemes. It is suggested that the positive impact of LTNs will depend on community-focused engagement, and constructive dialogue between stakeholders.