UK researchers examined the impact of introducing low-traffic neighborhoods in Waltham Forest, London, on road traffic injuries. Using police data from 2012-2019, they found a three-fold decline in the number of injuries inside low-traffic neighborhoods after implementation relative to the rest of Waltham Forest and the rest of Outer London.
They further estimate that walking, cycling, and driving became approximately 3 to 4 times safer per trip. There was no evidence that injury numbers changed on boundary roads. Their findings suggest that low-traffic neighborhoods (LTN) reduce injury risks across all modes inside the neighborhood without negative impacts at the boundary.
In summary, absolute injury numbers and injury risk decreased substantially inside the LTNs. The estimated improvement in walking and cycling safety (three to four-fold for risk) would align the UK with the best European countries. LTNs should be seen as an intervention that improves road safety and health through increased physical activity. Simultaneously intervening on boundary roads (e.g., building cycle tracks) may improve safety.
Source: Findingspress