Secret data obtained by the Daily Mail has delivered a stunning blow to Sadiq Khan's controversial transport strategy, revealing that his flagship Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes are failing to achieve their primary objective of reducing car usage across London.
The Hidden Numbers Behind Khan's Green Agenda
Despite the Mayor's vigorous promotion of LTNs as the solution to London's pollution and congestion problems, the concealed figures tell a different story entirely. In a shocking revelation, vehicle journeys have actually increased in several boroughs that have implemented these restrictive measures.
Where the Scheme Backfired
The data reveals particularly concerning trends in specific areas:
- Hackney recorded a 5.1% rise in car journeys
- Lambeth saw vehicle usage increase by 3.4%
- Southwark experienced a 2.7% growth in car traffic
These figures directly contradict the Mayor's office's public claims of success, suggesting that the policy is creating unintended consequences and potentially shifting traffic problems rather than solving them.
The Displacement Effect: Solving One Problem, Creating Another
Transport experts analysing the data suggest that the LTNs may be creating a 'displacement effect,' where traffic simply moves from restricted roads to boundary roads, often causing greater congestion on main thoroughfares and potentially increasing journey times for essential vehicles and public transport.
Public Backlash and Political Fallout
The revelation comes amid growing public anger over the implementation of LTNs, with many residents and business owners complaining about:
- Increased congestion on main roads
- Difficulty accessing local businesses
- Emergency service response times being affected
- Division within communities
Conservative MPs have seized on the data, accusing the Mayor of pursuing an "ideological war on motorists" without proper evidence-based policy making.
Questioning the Future of London's Transport Policy
This secret data raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the current approach to managing London's traffic and pollution challenges. With the Mayor planning to expand the ULEZ scheme alongside continued LTN implementation, critics are demanding a thorough review of whether these measures are genuinely serving Londoners' best interests or simply creating new problems while failing to solve existing ones.
The revelation that car use has increased in some LTN areas suggests that the Mayor's office may need to reconsider its strategy and address the unintended consequences of these controversial schemes.
