Campaigners are raising serious concerns about a liveable neighbourhood (also known as a low traffic neighbourhood, or LTN) trial in Bath, claiming it may be the worst in the city—and possibly the entire UK. Bath and North East Somerset Council is currently deciding whether to make permanent the Lower Lansdown and Circus Liveable Neighbourhood, which has been in effect since November 2024.
The scheme involves three through traffic restrictions on Gay Street, Catharine Place, and Winifred’s Lane. While liveable neighbourhoods aim to reduce traffic in residential areas and promote safer, quieter routes for walking and cycling, the trial has sparked intense debate.
Opponents, including the Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group, have called for the immediate scrapping of the Winifred’s Lane restriction, citing serious safety and opposition concerns. Once a one-way route allowing drivers to bypass a tricky section of Sion Road, Winifred’s Lane was closed off by bollards under the trial. The group’s open letter highlights that 72% of residents within the trial area—and 84% overall—oppose the closure.
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Crucially, their research points out that traffic past local junior schools increased by an average of 1,401 vehicles daily due to the closure of Winifred’s Lane—resulting in over half a million additional cars driving past schools annually, jeopardising children’s safety and health.
The group disputes the council’s decision to treat the three road measures as a single scheme, viewing this as arbitrary. They insist Winifred’s Lane should be separated from the other areas and reopened to restore safer traffic flow.
Council data released in December ahead of the decision by cabinet members Joel Hirst and Manda Rigby reflects mixed results. While the Gay Street restrictions have broad support—74% among local residents—the Catharine Place measures are less popular, and Winifred’s Lane faces overwhelming opposition.
Multiple traffic reports present conflicting findings. Consultants Arcadis reported a reduction in traffic on Cavendish Road but significant increases up to 115% on Sion Road near Kingswood School in early 2025. In contrast, the Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group’s own consultants found traffic surged by as much as 720% on Sion Road in March 2025.
Arcadis has questioned the group’s data, describing it as unverifiable and urging the council to rely on extensive in-house monitoring when determining the trial’s outcomes.
In response to congestion concerns, council reports recommend revising parking arrangements to improve visibility and create safer passing spots on affected roads if the scheme is made permanent.
As cabinet members prepare to make their decision, local campaigners remain vocal in their opposition, warning that this Bath LTN’s negative impact on traffic and safety could set a troubling precedent for LTNs across the UK.