Waltham Forest Council faced scrutiny over its approach to 'lower-traffic neighbourhoods' (LTNs) during a recent council meeting, with councillors raising concerns about the terminology used and the council's strategy for implementing such schemes.

During the Members' Questions session on Thursday, 16 July 2026, Councillor Afzal Akram posed a two-part question to Councillor Paul Perkins, the Leader of the Council, regarding existing and new LTNs. Councillor Akram expressed concern that 'area-based improvement schemes' might be a new guise for LTNs, asking for confirmation that the term 'LTN' would continue to be used where road closures are involved in traffic reduction. Councillor Perkins responded by stating that the council would ensure clarity when using terms, and that there was no intention to introduce schemes through the 'back door'. He added, rather than committing to exactly how I will use it, what we can make sure we do is ensure that when we use terms we are defining them clearly. He also assured, I don't think there's any intent to introduce anything through the back door, but the difference between LTNs and area improvement schemes are something we kind of want to use consistently so that we know what we're talking about.

Councillor Akram's concern highlighted a broader worry that 'area-based improvement schemes' could be another name from LTNs that we're going to, through the back door, put more in but not call them LTNs. This suggests a concern about transparency and potential re-branding of LTNs without clear distinction.

Councillor Perkins agreed to a drive around the 'Mini-Holland' LTN in Walthamstow with Councillor Akram to review its impacts.

The meeting also addressed other resident concerns, including the condition of pavements and the impact of parking changes on businesses.

Councillor Emma Best raised concerns about pavements, stating, we need better pavements. Will you commit to reviewing the pavement program and looking at those areas in Chingford that are very far away from town centres on hills and improving the pavements to encourage more residents so that they are able to walk without taking a fall? Councillor Perkins responded by mentioning a commitment to neighbourhood access audits and the need to prioritise pavements just like we need to prioritise roads where there is greatest need and greatest impact. He assured that they will be looking at this and want to make the borough as accessible as it possibly can be, but we need to do so within the resources that we have available. Peter Heatherley also mentioned that the pavements in the Drysdale area that are very dilapidated and disintegrating, causing a high incidence of trips and falls with subsequent unnecessary pressure on the NHS. Whilst small spots are patched when reported, the whole area needs to be addressed.

Further details on the council's agenda and reports can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting on 16 July 2026.