No plans for low traffic neighbourhood in South Ribble

South Ribble Borough Council Pic: Ian Greig — South Ribble Borough Council. Pic: Ian Greig

South Ribble Borough Council have released a statement in relation to 15-minute cities, making it clear that they aren’t adopting a policy that is set to be trialled in certain parts of the country.

A spokesperson for the borough council said: “Following some questions and comments on social media, the Council want to make it clear that they are not adopting, nor has signed up for 15-Minute cities.

“15-minute cities are currently set to begin trial in other areas of the country and these policies sometimes use traffic filters, such as planters or bollards to reduce through-traffic and improve conditions for walking and cycling, creating what’s called a ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhood’, or an LTN.

“This is in no way being proposed for any area in South Ribble.”

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, “It seems there is much traction online about 15-minute cites. The conversation ranges from mis-information right into conspiracy theories as to what 15-minute cites could look like and the motivations for areas trailing them.

“Most of the talk around 15-minute cities is nonsense – including talk about introducing road charging – and we wanted to set the record straight that we as a council have not signed up for this, nor intend to.”

Residents may have seen reference to 20-minute neighbourhoods in the most recent preferred document for the Central Lancashire Local Plan which is currently being consulted on.

This is not something that authorities sign up to but a principle to ensure people have access to better facilities and a tool to help policy makers when shaping developments or locations for infrastructure to benefit communities.

Councillor Foster said: “We want development to be better – and have been very vocal on this – and that means having the things you need near to where you live – health, schools, shops etc.

“It is most definitely not about introducing any sort of road charging.”