Drama with LTN bollards in Oxfordshire

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) divide opinion. Some support them for the fact they aim to make streets safer and cleaner. Others are against them because they restrict the movement of cars and larger vehicles, particularly ambulances. The ones in Oxford have become some of the most heavily contested in the UK. In fact, the bollards have been the centre of quite a lot of drama since installation.

Introduction

Oxfordshire County Council made the decision to introduce LTNs across the region in 2020. The focus was on residential streets in east Oxford and Cowley. The first measures were installed in Church Cowley, Temple Cowley, and Florence Park in March 2021. There were then other trials in Divinity Road, St Mary's, and St Clement's in 2022. Since then, they have become a permanent feature of the roads.

Some locals appreciate the LTNs. Supporters say they improve streets, making them quieter and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

On the other hand, critics claim the LTNs cause big problems. For one, they can make response times for emergency vehicles longer. Some even claim they make it harder for schools to recruit teachers.

Intentional damage

The bollards for the LTNs in Oxfordshire have had a really tough time since installation. Originally the council chose plastic ones. However, they have been the focus of vandalism and theft. There have also been a smaller number of cases where cars have damaged them while manoeuvring.

In total the original plastic bollards cost the council £75,500 for repairs and replacements. They then chose to replace them with wooden planters in March 2023. This cost an additional £86,000. The idea was to make them a more attractive part of the streetscape. However, problems with vandalism and damage persist, with the cost of repairs and replacement at over £22,000. It even includes some of the wooden structures being set on fire.

All of this raises the question of whether they are really worth it? The benefits are clear but the lengths people will go to show their unhappiness with them are quite shocking. It is also proving to be a drain on council resources. However, the council said they are committed to the infrastructure.

Do you need bollards?

At Barrier Mart we appreciate how important measures to control traffic can be. They can make roads and various other settings safer, including car parks, warehouses, and docksides. they can protect pedestrians, workers, and drivers too.

We can help with this by supplying a fantastic selection of products. It includes cast in and surface mount styles of bollards in different diameters and finishes. We also offer barriers, speed bumps, and more.

So, if you need anything, browse our website or contact us.