Oxford Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have reduced road injuries by over 100, campaigners say
Groups say they have also reduced pollution and local shops are outperform national trends
Oxford's Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have led to a reduction of more than 100 road casualties over the past five years, according to campaigners.
The measures, which use bollards and planters to reduce through traffic on residential streets while allowing pedestrians and cyclists through, were introduced in Cowley and East Oxford.
The Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel (CoHSAT) says they have also contributed to cleaner air and have not negatively affected the number of empty shops on Cowley Road.
According to figures released by the coalition, road casualties have fallen by an average of more than 20 a year since the LTNs were introduced.
They say the Cowley schemes have reduced casualties by around 12 annually, while those in East Oxford have led to eight fewer casualties each year.
Campaigners say much of the improvement has been seen at junctions on surrounding roads, where fewer vehicles are cutting through residential streets.
They estimate the economic benefits of the reduction in casualties exceed £8 million.
The groups also says air pollution has fallen within the LTNs and on surrounding roads, with no evidence of pollution being displaced to other parts of the city.
Meanwhile, a survey of shops on Cowley Road found 11 vacant premises in September 2026, compared with 12 in 2018.
Campaigners say this bucks the national trend, which would have suggested an increase in empty shops over the same period.
Robin Tucker, Co-Chair of CoHSAT, said: "East Oxford residents are less likely to be harmed by collision or pollution thanks to the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. In addition, Cowley Road shops are doing better than national trends."
He added: "The reduction in rat-running traffic means it is safer for people to walk, wheel or cycle to the shops or the bus stop."
Sushila Dhall, Chair of the Oxford Pedestrians Association, also welcomed the schemes, saying they had made it easier for people of different abilities to walk, wheel and cycle.
However, she raised concerns about vehicles parking at the entrances to LTNs on Cowley Road, which can obstruct wheelchair users.
The findings have prompted renewed calls for similar schemes to be introduced elsewhere in Oxford.
Hannah Kirby, Chair of Headington Liveable Streets, says plans for LTNs in Headington were developed in 2022 but later shelved.
She said: "These data, along with residents’ personal accounts, show the health and economic benefits of the LTNs, and how they are improving people lives."
She added that the group would like the findings to restart the process of bringing LTNs to Headington.
We have asked Oxfordshire County Council for a response to this.