Oxfordshire County Council has failed to confirm that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have no impact on the capability of ambulances to respond to emergency calls.

This comes following reports by the Daily Mail that 239 call outs had been held up by LTN barriers in London.

The worst borough for delays was Southwark with 69 hold-ups since the introduction of LTNs in 2020.

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The figures revealed by The Taxpayers’ Alliance (TPA) have led to renewed calls to scrap the schemes.

Tory MP, Greg Smith who sits on the Commons transport committee, told the Telegraph: “By preventing ambulances from getting to the emergency they’re attending, LTNs are clearly dangerous.”

He has labelled the schemes ‘an extraordinary waste of taxpayers’ money’ on the basis they limit the movement of residents in the areas in which they are implemented.

Oxfordshire County Council were approached for comment on these accusations.

A council spokesperson said: “Oxfordshire County Council meets with South Central Ambulance Service as well as Thames Valley Police and colleagues at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (which is part of the county council) to ensure local frontline response for emergency services is kept up to date with proposals and developments for the low traffic neighbourhoods.

“Ambulance, police and fire services are able to feedback and advise through these meetings – helping make sure that emergency access through the LTN closures is the most suitable for service needs.”

Oxford Mail:

LTNs were introduced in the East Oxford and Cowley areas last year in an effort to prevent motor vehicles from taking shortcuts down residential streets.

The schemes have been criticised by members of the public and several bollards have been vandalised in Oxford since their installation.

Oxfordshire County Council is currently carrying out a consultation with residents on the proposal to replace physical bollards with ANPR cameras.

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The proposed sites are Littlehay Road, Crescent Road and Littlemore Road.

Fixed penalty notices would be issued to any vehicles that contravene the order.

But emergency vehicles would be allowed to pass.

The council said in a previous statement in March: "The sites have been selected for consultation following stakeholder engagement including extensive liaison with the emergency services, internal reviews and site visits.

"Consideration was given to the impact on the scheme objectives of the LTNs including the aim to reduce through traffic.

"The use of ANPR at certain locations will allow flexibility for amendments to bus services, allow for increased police patrols and allow the locations to offer network flexibility during unforeseen and/or emergency situations on the highway network."

The consultation is open until 5pm on April 17 and the county council are set to review the responses.