LTNs cause issues for vulnerable members of the community who rely on taxis says FREENOW chief

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FREENOW, one of the UK’s leading taxi and mobility services, has questioned the implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), citing concerns for vulnerable members of the community who rely on cabs for transportation.

Mariusz Zabrocki, UK General Manager at FREENOW, said that while his company understands the need to reduce traffic and emissions in cities, there needs to be more discussion on what works best for everyone involved.

LTNs have caused problems for people with disabilities, those who need to travel to hospitals, and parents with young children who cannot access public transportation. The FREENOW General Manager asserted that policy makers must consider these issues when developing plans for traffic and emissions in local communities.

Moreover, he noted that LTNs have also affected the ability of taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to perform their jobs successfully, providing a door-to-door service for their passengers. Zabrocki believes that the policies have the potential to undermine the vital role that these drivers play in local transport networks, providing accessible transportation services for thousands of people.

FREENOW's comments come amid growing discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of LTNs across the UK. Yesterday the Government was accused of “greenwashing” after the Department for Transport said it could give no evidence that low-traffic neighbourhoods reduced the number of miles driven.

Mariusz Zabrocki, UK General Manager at FREENOW, said: “At FREENOW, we understand and support the need to implement effective plans that will reduce traffic and therefore tackle air pollution and reduce emissions in cities. However, 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 for their daily lives, whether they have a disability, need to travel to hospitals or have young children and can’t access public transport. Policy makers locally and nationally must consider issues such as 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.”