Overlapping concepts of LTNs and ‘modal filtering’ – a staple of postwar planning – creates challenge in how to categorise schemes

While the concept of the low-traffic neighbourhood, or LTN, first entered the UK political mainstream during the Covid pandemic, the basic concept – filtering streets for different types of traffic – is older. Much, much older, in fact.

Some ancient Roman cities, including Pompeii, used stone posts set in the road to stop carriages reaching the central plaza, while allowing unimpeded access for pedestrians and less cumbersome forms of transport.