Low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Harrow will “only stay if the majority of residents want it to” and there is “no agenda” around the schemes, councillors said.

In a residents’ newsletter, West Harrow councillors Adam Swersky, Christine Robson, and Kareema Marikar (all Lab) explained public opinion “matters most” and will influence any future decision on the schemes.

And they urged those living and working in the borough to share their thoughts on the programme in the run-up to a “final review” in June.

LTNs were introduced under the ‘Streetspace’ scheme, which, utilising funding from Transport for London, sought to improve walking and cycling routes, while also reducing traffic along residential streets, as part of a plan to improve active travel in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since their implementation, the effectiveness of LTNs has been consistently debated – many have argued they are an essential way of tackling transport issues, while others believe they cause more issues than they seek to solve.

Over the past six months, councillors have always insisted they would act in the best interest of their residents, including through feedback collected during the programme’s duration.

“We are committed to making sure that this scheme is right for our community,” the councillors’ newsletter reads.

“Our low-traffic neighbourhood scheme is a trial, and it will only stay if the majority of residents want it to.”

A consultation on the schemes launched in February, with residents able to take part at www.harrow.gov.uk/ltn until March 21 – these findings, along with other reports, will be presented at a Harrow Council traffic and road safety advisory panel on April 22.

The current administration has been keen to stress that the measures were put in place at a quicker rate than usual – which meant consultation was limited – under government guidance.

It added monthly reviews have been carried out since their implementation, with tweaks made where necessary.

The use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras has since been proposed which, according to the West Harrow newsletter, would allow traffic-easing measures to remain without the need for “blunt tools” such as planters.

Under an ANPR scheme, it explained all businesses and residents within LTNs would have access to free permits – with no limit on the number of cars at each address provided they are registered there – while visitors, carers, deliveries, and taxis would have to use “specified access points” to avoid fines.