Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) will not be coming to Windsor and Maidenhead under the current administration, the council’s transport lead has pledged.

Councillor Geoff Hill told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the controversial traffic control method would only come to the borough 'over my dead body'.

LTNs, which have been used in some local authorities such as Oxfordshire and several London boroughs, see traffic restrictions put in place on residential streets in a bid to boost road safety and reduce pollution.

But councillor Hill said: “The direction Oxfordshire has gone in is ridiculous. It’s ridiculous if you’ve got a family with children and you’re driving kids to school.

“It’ll never work. I’m opposed to any of that in Windsor and Maidenhead.

“My view is that the government should be providing sufficient funds to put on bus services with lower fares for people.”

LTNs have often faced polarised reception in towns and boroughs where they have been introduced.

Proponents argue they make residential streets safer, less polluted, and more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists.

But critics have raised concerns around emergency vehicle access, loss of customers for businesses, and that traffic from these routes could end up congested elsewhere.

Councillor Hill further criticised the limiting of flexibility for motorists through the implementation of LTNs.

He said: “Central government needs to get its act together with financial support to help walking, cycling and small hopper buses available so we can provide such a good alternative solution that people don’t need to get into their cars.”

The councillor also lambasted this summer’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion, calling both schemes “symptoms of a government not providing what local authorities need.”

However, a Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are investing over £3 billion in active travel up to 2025, more than any previous government.

“This demonstrates that we remain fully committed to ensuring people have more choices for walking, wheeling and cycling across England.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s highways lead councillor Andrew Gant said: “Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are intended to create quieter and safer streets, encouraging residents to make local journeys by cycling, wheeling or on foot.

“In LTNs, motorised traffic is prevented from taking shortcuts through a residential area, but all streets remain accessible by car.

“In Oxfordshire, LTNs are part of our local travel and transport plans and are designed to work together with other measures to reduce congestion and improve air quality.”