Low traffic neighbourhood LTN
A low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) is a scheme where motor vehicle traffic in residential streets is greatly reduced. Other terms describing similar approaches to highway and neighbourhood planning include: homezones or home zone residential areas, traffic management schemes, people friendly streets, modal filters, play streets, school street schemes, pedestrian priority schemes, pedestrian priority streets and so on.
The definition of a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) used in the Statutory guidance - Implementing low traffic neighbourhoods published by the UK government reads "An area-wide traffic management scheme aimed at reducing or removing through traffic from residential areas, put in place using traffic signed restrictions or physical measures such as planters or bollards."
Sustrans defines the way low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are created as being "by minimising the amount of traffic that comes from vehicles using the streets to get to another destination. This is often referred to as ‘through-traffic’ or ‘rat-running’. Private motorised vehicles still have easy access to all homes and businesses without driving directly through the neighbourhood. This opens up networks of streets so people can safely travel through the area on foot, bicycle, by wheeling or by bus. Emergency vehicles can also be prioritised to reach their destinations quicker.
"Traffic is reduced by using temporary or permanent barriers called “modal filters”. These can include putting up bollards or planters. Or they can be camera operated. Residents and businesses still have access to the neighbourhood by motor vehicle using different routes, but through-traffic is greatly reduced." Low Traffic Neighbourhoods; Research report. March 2024
In 2023 the Department for Transport commissioned a review of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 15 minute city.
- Accessible.
- Are electric bikes the future?
- Close proximity.
- Connectivity.
- Cycling and walking plan.
- Designing for pedestrians.
- Integrated transport system.
- London car charging infrastructure.
- Low traffic neighbourhood LTN
- Pathway
- Pavement.
- Pedestrianised.
- Pedestrian shed.
- Pedestrian priority street.
- Pop-up cycle lanes.
- Road traffic management.
- Safe pedestrian route.
- Sustainable transport.
- Terraced houses and the public realm.
- Transport assessment.
- Types of road and street.
- Walkable catchment.
- Walking distance.
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.