Skip to main content

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and accessibility to be debated by MPs

16 May 2024

On Monday 20 May, MPs will debate two petitions relating to Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.

Marsha de Cordova MP, a Member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

Carry out an independent review into Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs)

The petition, which has more than 15,000 signatures, states: “The review should look at, but not be limited to, possible benefits and disbenefits they might have to the local and wider area where they are introduced. This should including pollution, road safety, mental wellbeing, effects on the vulnerable, and congestion. Both inside and outside an LTN.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 25 April 2023, the Government said: “The Government is already carrying out an evaluation of active travel schemes funded in 2020/21, including LTNs. It has no plans to commission a further review until this has concluded.”

Exempt Blue Badge drivers from Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

The petition, which has more than 1,000 signatures, states: “The Government must make it MANDATORY to include in the DVLA Vehicle Registration Database, along with name & address of vehicle owner, an exemption marker for those with Blue Badges or life-threatening conditions, from Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and time restrictions without a clear justification.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

Further information

Image: Parliamentary copyright