Thread by @SarahJ_Berry

I think we make a mistake when we focus on where people live in low traffic neighbourhoods.

People's home life will be impacted by low traffic neighbourhoods -- but it's about so much more than that.

The street I live on currently was a notorious rat run before @RailtonLTN was introduced, now it's much quieter.

My new home will be on a main road where an LTN is about to be introduced. That LTN probably won't reduce traffic outside my home.

BUT...

@RailtonLTN It will reduce the traffic on the surrounding streets where I commute by foot or by bike.

It will reduce the traffic on the route I take to get to local shops, cafes, restaurants, libraries, schools, services.

@RailtonLTN I benefit from LTNs even if they don't change the traffic conditions of the road where my house is -- because I live in a neighbourhood, not on a single street.

All of my journeys will be improved, even if no fewer cars drive past my house every day.

@RailtonLTN I've realised whilst thinking about this that if you're someone who takes all of their journeys by car, it might be really difficult to realise the benefits LTNs bring.

You don't see changes on your road, and then you get in a car and your once familiar journey is confusing.

@RailtonLTN But for most people -- using a car is a choice. Does your once 5 minute car journey now take you 30 minutes? There's the excuse you've been waiting for to leave that car at home and go for a walk or a run, get some exercise in, say hi to the neighbours.

@RailtonLTN Once you're out on the streets of your LTN I promise you you'll see the difference.

You might find you like walking or running or cycling to your destination more than you ever liked driving.

@RailtonLTN For those with mobility disabilities which mean they have no choice but to use a car -- I promise you I won't stop fighting to ensure you're never caught in congestion. I will keep pushing those whose car journeys are driven by habit rather than necessity to make other choices.

@RailtonLTN All this to say if we just focus on where people live, we're missing a big part of the picture.

My home is my community, not just the road my house is on.