Street space reallocation under austerity: The case of low traffic neighbourhoods in the UK

ABSTRACT Street space reallocation measures, such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), have attracted substantial controversy in the UK and elsewhere, for instance around reported poor engagement with residents and local actors. However, limited attention has been given to the political-economic context shaping scheme implementation, such as the impacts of reduced resources or the use of short-term, contingent funding. Based on 37 interviews with officers and councillors who implemented or sought to implement LTNs in 12 English local authorities, and part of a larger project investigating the impacts of LTNs in London, this paper addresses the gap. It shows how challenges to design, engagement and delivery are often linked to funding scarcity and processes of projectification, advancing the literature on transport governance and controversy.