Merton Council is trialling its first phase of low traffic neighbourhood schemes as part of its coronavirus response and climate change declaration.

The Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes are being rolled out across the borough to encourage residents to switch to greener forms of transport.

Under the schemes, roads will be closed to through-traffic to prevent the use of residential streets as ‘rat runs’ by vehicles "which should be using main roads."

Due to the time-constraints regarding funding, Experimental Traffic Management Orders are being used, which allows the council to implement the measures during the consultation period.

Trials are being rolled out in the following streets:

-Commonside East

-Links Road

-Sandy Lane

-Botsford Road

-Seely Road

Although roads will be closed by the use of bollards and planters, all residents will be able to drive into their street, get deliveries and welcome visitors.

Every street will also be accessible to emergency services.

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The council says the management orders will allow them to effectively monitor the trials before making a final decision.

Councillor Martin Whelton, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Transport, said: “Merton is currently trialling road closures for five low traffic neighbourhood schemes, in schemes funded by Transport for London, and residents can give their feedback to our online consultation over the next six months.

"We really want to hear what local people think of how the schemes are working, and how they could be improved.

"It would be greatly informative if people could give the schemes some time to bed in, and then share their experiences over the weeks and months to come before a final decision is made.

“Low traffic neighbourhoods aim to bring improvements to air quality and reduce the potential for injury or loss of life from dangerous driving in residential streets.

“Merton is a great place for families and we are committed to improving the quality of life for all our residents by creating more pleasant and healthy environments.

"Reducing traffic in residential streets will create spaces for people to socialise, play, walk, cycle, shop, use local services and enjoy being part of their community.”

The experimental order, which is effectively the statutory consultation, will run for a maximum of 18 months and at the end of this period a LTN can be made permanent, amended or removed.

Residents are urged to sign the consultation here