Brighton and Hove's 'liveable neighbourhood' project

The project will create a neighbourhood “planned and designed to reduce motor traffic cutting through residential streets”, also known as rat-running.

But what does this mean?

What is a ‘liveable neighbourhood’ or a ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhood’?

A low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN), which we’re calling a ‘liveable neighbourhood’, is a transport scheme that sets out plans to make improvements to a local residential area, to make streets safer and easier to walk and cycle.

Liveable neighbourhoods feature less traffic cutting thorough residential areas, but they might also have more green space, such as pocket parks or green features including planters and trees.

Street trees are introduced if there is space for them and the conditions are suitable for them to thrive.

The scheme will stop cars cutting through local residential streets, also known as rat-running

Changes can include introducing planters and bollards and sometimes camera technology at entry point to local roads – this will result in reducing the number of motor vehicles cutting through residential streets.

Will I still be able to drive?

Yes. Local people will still have access to their homes and businesses. The entry point into the area might change but you will still have access.

Emergency vehicles and waste and recycling collection vehicles will still be able to access all streets.

Unnecessary motor traffic is reduced by using temporary or permanent barriers called ‘modal filters’.

Different types of bollards can be introduced. For example, one type of bollard can be automatically controlled by emergency and waste collection services. Often wooden planters and new signage will also feature on a temporary or permanent basis.

So that residential streets are made safer and can be opened and made more liveable, driving may become a little less convenient. The residential parking scheme will also remain in the area.

A bus gate mentioned in the consultation

What are the benefits of a liveable neighbourhood?

Liveable neighbourhoods have been shown to:

- increase physical activity through more walking and cycling

- benefit local businesses through an increase in sales and higher spend by people who walk or cycle to local shops and retailers

- create new public space

- reduce local crime

- improve air quality

- lower car use for shorter trips

- increase social interactions between neighbours and strengthen communities

READ MORE: Hanover and Tarner first Brighton residents for 'liveable neighbourhood'

Is it legal to restrict access to streets?

Residents are still able to access their property by car, as will visitors, deliveries from outside the area, emergency vehicles and service vehicles such as those used for waste collection.

But their routes may need to change. The aim is to reduce through-traffic, not remove all traffic.

What could be introduced as part of the liveable neighbourhood?

- Modal filters

These are usually one or more bollards or planters that stops motor vehicles accessing a particular route through an area.

Modal filters can also include signage to make it clear what sort of vehicles can enter a liveable neighbourhood area. There may also be cameras to monitor traffic that enters.

- Pocket parks

Pocket parks are usually areas in streets that are free from motor traffic and have green landscaping and sometimes seating. Pocket parks may require bollards to ensure that they remain free from motor traffic.

Parklets are generally smaller than pocket parks and usually replace one or more parking bays that are no longer required.

- Cycle hangars

A liveable neighbourhood enables more local residents to cycle so bicycle hangars can be provided. The hangars will be located in local streets.

Possible cycle hangers that could be part of the project

- Bus gate

A bus gate is a modal filter for buses, cycles, taxis, and emergency vehicles to travel through. Private motor cars will need to take an alternative route.

- Traffic restrictions

Traffic restrictions can make it illegal for motorised vehicles to turn in certain directions in residential areas or may include one-way streets that are already implemented across some streets in the city.