LOCALS have expressed their support and approval for the divisive Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in a public meeting.

The LTNs were introduced by the county council earlier this month to parts of Cowley as part of a six-month trial.

Residents from Florence Park met at the Cowley Labour Team’s LTN meeting to discuss their thoughts so far on the scheme.

Over 80 locals joined the online meeting, with 63 per cent of attendees stating that they favoured the scheme.

Read also: Planter rammed by 'van' in protest at Oxford LTNs

Last week a similar meeting took place about the LTNs in Church Cowley, however, at this meeting, the majority of attendees, 57 per cent, were against the scheme.

One resident at this week’s meeting said ‘the scheme has been life changing’.

She said: “Instead of cars and lorries and vans hurtling down the road, not looking where they are going, it has made it very safe and now it is so quiet and it is so lovely to see children and families cycling up Campbell Road to get to school.”

Another resident of Rymers Lane, who praised the scheme, said: “I was surprised after I moved there about how bad the traffic was considering it is a residential street, with a 20mph limit supposedly.

Read here: Low Traffic Neighbourhood 'played no part' in man's death, says ambulance service

“If they don’t work we need to find another way to make sure people can navigate traffic safely but I hope everyone can see the positives and businesses won’t suffer, so we can continue, but if the benefits don’t outweigh the disadvantages we need to look at them again.”

Several residents, however, expressed their concerns.

Helen Murphy questioned whether an equality impact assessment had been done for this scheme.

She said: “Are we considering any of our elderly neighbours, who are less immobile and what about people who are disabled?”

“My brother, who is 23 and disabled, cannot walk around or cycle so he has to rely on cars, so if the traffic is going to be congested - is he going to have to pay a lot more money for taxis?”

The council has since confirmed that an equality impact assessment was completed before the scheme being implemented.

Another resident, Lesley Plumb, said: “Our road has now become a rat-run of reversing vehicles.

Read also: Locals come out in support of Cowley LTNs as row intensifies

“Why do we have to have this old-fashioned system, with great big ugly boxes, isolating members of the community.”

Several residents also criticised the phrasing of the council’s survey stating that it was leaning towards a pro-LTN stance rather than being neutral.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: “Residents and indeed all those who respond to county council consultations are free to express a range of opinions on the topic in question.”

The ongoing consultation regarding the Cowley LTNs will last until September 17. To submit your views visit consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/Cowley

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