FREENOW supports review of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods to ensure accessibility for all

FREENOW supports review of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods to ensure accessibility for all.

Following the announcement of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's order to review low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), FREENOW, a leading Super mobility App operating in nine markets across Europe, has expressed its support for the review.

While FREENOW does acknowledge the importance of implementing measures to reduce traffic and decrease emissions in cities, Zabroki highlighted the unintended consequences that LTNs can have on vulnerable individuals who heavily rely on taxi services.

Mariusz Zabroki, UK General Manager at FREENOW, emphasised the need for further discussion on the effectiveness of LTNs in achieving their intended goals.

FREENOW’s UK General Manager also expressed concern over the impact of LTNs on taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, highlighting how these restrictions hinder their ability to provide high-quality, door-to-door service to passengers. The limitations imposed by LTNs potentially ‘undermine’ the crucial role that taxi drivers play in local transport networks and in ensuring accessible transportation for thousands of people.

Zabroki said: “At FREENOW, we support Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's order for a review of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). While we understand and support the need to implement effective plans that will reduce traffic, tackle air pollution and reduce emissions in cities, it's clear that there needs to be some more discussion on what works best. LTNs cause issues for vulnerable people who rely on cabs, whether they have a disability, need to travel to hospitals or have young children and can’t access public transport. Policymakers locally and on a national level need to consider this when developing plans for traffic and emissions in local communities.

"These restrictions also affect taxi and PHV drivers’ ability to carry out their jobs to the highest standard and provide door-to-door service for their passengers. This has the potential to undermine the vital role they play in local transport networks and providing an accessible transport service for thousands of people.”