2021: The Year of the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

At our last General Meeting of 2020, Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner Chris Boardman said that more than 30 Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs – also known as Active Neighbourhoods or Filtered Neighbourhoods) would be implemented across Greater Manchester during 2021. Here we have a look at the progress with some of those that are moving forward into trial or pre-trial consultation periods.

Levenshulme (Manchester)

Launched on 4 January, this Active Neighbourhood has been in the headlines lately, with the Executive Member for Environment, Planning and Transport Cllr Angeliki Stogia clearly stating MCC’s commitment to the trial.

The social media responses have shown residents are already experiencing benefits and there are examples of the community coming together to reinstate the modal filters where they have been vandalised.

Now the initial dust has settled on Levenshulme, people have had time to reflect on the new measures.

Read their views and enjoy what people are realising. LTNs transform communities. pic.twitter.com/DFnjhfvruD

— Harry Gray (@HarryHamishGray) January 10, 2021

Importantly, there is also evidence of benefits for people who were disabled by the previous environment, as has been highlighted by friends of Walk Ride, Streets for People:

A local parent has sent this to us:

“The monumental occasion when my visually impaired 11 year old crossed a road on the way to school – without holding my hand! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. FILTER 🧚 HEROS.”

Keep up the good work everyone. pic.twitter.com/lQTVqgebV1

— Streets for People – Levenshulme and Burnage (@s4plb) January 6, 2021

This ride-through video by @JenontheMove shows the locations of filters:

Longford Park (Trafford)

Trafford Council used money from their Active Travel Fund coffers to deal with rat runners through the Longford Park estate, and residents have embraced the opportunity to improve their living environment by mapping the positive effects that the filters are having on the neighbourhood.

Community created documents in support of the Longford Low traffic Neighbourhood.

Feels like the community is doing the councils job for them.

Where’s the support for your own initiative Trafford? pic.twitter.com/NX2btRQppa

— Ewan Chamings (@echamings) December 9, 2020

The North West Ambulance Service has confirmed that their “crews have not reported any issues with the traffic calming measures in the vicinity of Cromwell Road.” The Council has also identified a potential improvement to the placement of filters, which has been put to the residents as part of further consultation.

We understand a decision is due imminently…

Word on the street…@TraffordCouncil have made their decision on whether to:
1. Remove
2. Change planter locations
3. Keep current locations.
The Longford Park LTN trial.

Decision letter to be sent to residents.

Ward Cllrs keeping their counsel.

— WalkRideStretford (@WalkRideM32) January 15, 2021

Sam Cycles has described the scheme in further detail.

Salford Central

Salford Central already benefits from several historic modal filters, including bollards located to prevent rat running through residential areas, and the recent planters installed with Active Travel Fund money have only served to enhance the area.

Locals have even added a creative touch to the land made safer near the planters by painting hopscotch and other games on the streets.

Great to talk to Sanny about cycling in Salford! https://t.co/TnHwBNYnmb

— Walk Ride Salford Central (@WRSalford) December 7, 2020

Heaton Park (Bury) and Astley Bridge (Bolton)

Each of the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester will be allocated a LTN as part of the Bee Network plans. This week, two more were announced – Bolton’s and Bury’s.

Bury’s is proposed to be implemented on the estate due west of Heaton Park. Initial consultation is now ongoing and a first ‘online workshop’ event is due to take place on 21 January, open for all the attend and have your say – sign up here.

How very exciting to see an active neighbourhood coming to the Heaton Park area. Really looking forward to getting involved in helping design the scheme and reimagining our streets with people at the heart of them! pic.twitter.com/XHKTtQvpdU

— WalkRide Prestwich & Whitefield (@walkridepw) January 8, 2021

Bolton’s will be on the Oldhams estate in Astley Bridge and more details are available on the project’s Commonplace website.

The Heatons and Romiley (Stockport)

Initial consultations for these two community-led projects took place in the second half of 2020, and responses are viewable here and here. Cheadle will benefit from another LTN, with details to be confirmed.

Other Schemes

There are a number of other LTNs under preparation, whether they’re to be announced or in consultation, so watch this space and sign up to our newsletter here for more updates.