Key Points
- Streetsfilms journalist Clarence Eckerson Jr. explores London’s “low-traffic neighborhoods” with urban planner Solomon Green-Eames.
- These neighbourhoods use simple, low-cost interventions, called “modal filters,” to reduce car traffic and prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.
- Modal filters include physical bollards and camera systems with selective vehicle access, creating safer and more pleasant streets.
- Such neighbourhoods are common and widespread in London, unlike in New York City, where a few isolated examples exist.
- The video contrasts London’s extensive implementation with New York’s limited attempts, sparking contemplation on urban planning approaches.
What are London’s “low-traffic neighborhoods” and how do they work?
As reported by Clarence Eckerson Jr. of Streetsfilms, “low-traffic neighborhoods” (LTNs), a term used in Britain, are areas where simple, cost-effective measures redirect motor vehicle traffic away from certain streets. This opens spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to improve safety and the quality of urban life. Eckerson Jr. follows urban planner Solomon Green-Eames around St. Peter’s, a leafy LTN in the London borough of Islington, to showcase this concept.
Green-Eames explains two main types of “modal filters.” One uses bollards physically blocking cars but allowing bicycles and walking traffic freely. The other employs cameras to enforce restrictions selectively—certain vehicles, like buses and authorised cars, can pass without penalty, while others are deterred. The result is a quieter, safer environment encouraging active travel modes.
Why are London’s low-traffic neighborhoods inspiring to urban planners?
According to Streetsfilms’ author J.K. Trotter, these LTNs evoke “deep envy” among urbanists, especially those in cities like New York. The simplicity of implementation is striking—just a handful of bollards or cameras can transform street dynamics. There is no need for expensive infrastructure overhauls or reimagining entire street networks.
Eckerson Jr. highlights that the concept has earned international recognition, with Solomon Green-Eames being an urban planner awarded by the UN for work related to such projects. The wide adoption across London contrasts sharply with other major global cities, which have yet to embrace LTNs on a significant scale.
How does New York City compare to London’s low-traffic neighborhoods?
J.K. Trotter’s Streetsblog analysis reveals that New York’s version of LTNs is scarce, featuring isolated sites such as Paseo Park in Jackson Heights, 31st Avenue in Astoria, Berry Street in Williamsburg, parts of Battery Park City and Roosevelt Island, and neighbourhoods like Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village. There have been discussions around adding low-traffic measures on Avenue B in Alphabet City, but these efforts remain limited.
This patchy approach contrasts with London, where LTNs are so numerous that no comprehensive count exists. Streetsblog’s coverage suggests that the American urban planning ecosystem might benefit greatly by adopting London’s pragmatic yet effective model, underlined by Eckerson Jr.’s closing note:
“We should open a London bureau!”
What urban benefits do London’s low-traffic neighborhoods offer?
From Streetsfilms’ perspective, LTNs foster safer, healthier, and more pleasant communities through significant reductions in through-traffic. The modal filters allow residents to reclaim neighbourhood streets for walking, cycling, and community activities rather than being dominated by cars. This aligns with global trends to prioritise sustainable travel and urban liveability.
Solomon Green-Eames emphasises that these interventions can be rapidly deployed and easily adapted based on local needs and responses. The success in London points to the potential of LTNs as scalable solutions to urban transport challenges.
What are “modal filters” and why are they crucial in this urban model?
Streetsfilms’ video places modal filters at the heart of the LTN concept. They operate by permitting selective access, blocking most car traffic while enabling pedestrians and cyclists unimpeded movement. Their deployment can be as straightforward as installing bollards or as technologically advanced as camera enforcement systems with exemptions.
Solomon Green-Eames describes how modal filters not only enhance public safety but also help reduce air pollution and noise, supporting broader environmental goals. Their ease of installation allows cities to experiment and fine-tune approaches without large budgets or complex planning.
What might be the future of low-traffic neighborhoods in cities outside London?
The media coverage, particularly by Streetsfilms and contributor J.K. Trotter, hints at an opportunity for cities like New York and other metropolises worldwide to adopt and expand LTNs. The success in the London borough of Islington offers a replicable template showcasing that smarter, human-centred street design need not be costly or disruptive.
Urban planners and policymakers are encouraged to learn from London’s example to create safer, greener, and more people-friendly urban environments. The video and accompanying analysis serve as both documentation and inspiration for such efforts.
