National Walking Summit to address LTN controversy
Leaders in national and local government will join transport and health experts to discuss Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), the controversy around them and how to ensure their successful implementation at Living Streets’ National Walking Summit 2021.
The annual conference will take place virtually, hosted by Living Streets’ Chief Executive, Mary Creagh, a former Shadow Transport Secretary.
The charity for everyday walking will host UK speakers who will shine a light on LTNs, looking at the lessons learned from their nationwide roll-out during the pandemic.
International speakers will also explore the role of walking in tackling the climate emergency and hear best practice from city leaders in Europe who have improved streets for pedestrians.
Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has been invited to deliver a keynote speech and confirmed speakers include:
- Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner, Sheffield City Region
- Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor of London, Transport
- Miguel Anxo Fernández Lores, Mayor of Pontevedra, Spain
- Judith Bokhove, Vice Mayor, Rotterdam
Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:
“Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have the power to tackle our combined crises of congestion, air pollution and poor health but in some places they act as a lightning rod for mis- and disinformation.
“If we are to build back better, then there must be no return to dangerous, dirty, congested streets. Our Summit brings together walking experts, to build bravery and learn from the best.
“Everyone deserves to be able to move and breathe in their neighbourhood. That means a fundamental redesign of our streets as places to meet, play and enjoy nature, not as places for drivers to travel through.”
The National Walking Summit is open to all. There will be opportunities to ask questions of the panellists and hear about Living Streets’ work in schools, workplaces and with older people.