Oxford Low Traffic Neighbourhoods face legal challenge threat

Campaigners against low-traffic zones are planning to mount a legal challenge.

Opponents of the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Oxfordshire have lunched a fundraising campaign in a bid to raise enough money to take their case to court.

The LTNs, which prevent through-traffic, have been introduced at several locations by Oxfordshire County Council.

But the measures have sparked protests.

Some say the LTNs make the streets safer and quieter, but others want them removed, saying they increase traffic and pollution.

On Saturday more than 100 people gathered in Cowley to voice their concerns. Their protest was one of several held over the past few weeks.

The county council said LTNs were being trialled in residential roads that were "inappropriately used as through-routes".

But opponents - including groups such as Reconnecting Oxford, One Headington, The Oxford LTN Smart Changes - are aiming to raise £30,000 as soon as possible.

They said the money would be used to "produce more campaign leaflets and posters, and pay for legal and related advice ahead of mounting a legal challenge against the council's mass road closure programme".

The county council said it was continuing to monitor the LTNs in east Oxford and Cowley for traffic flows and air quality.

It urged residents to share their views and concerns in a public consultation which is still open.

"The county council has not yet received a legal challenge regarding LTNs. We therefore cannot comment at this stage," the authority added.

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