Low traffic neighbourhoods and layouts.
Layouts that keep through traffic out and make walking and cycling direct, using filtered permeability and low design speeds.
Also known as: low traffic, low traffic neighbourhood, LTN, filtered permeability, modal filters
What’s included.
New neighbourhoods can be designed so that walking and cycling are the most direct way to get around, while cars can still reach every home. Filtered permeability, short street lengths and low design speeds do most of the work.
- Street hierarchy and filtered links
- Low design speeds through layout
- Direct walking and cycling links
- Bus access through filters where needed
- Emergency and servicing access
- Effects on surrounding streets
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Designed in
Much easier to build in from the start than to retrofit.
Still accessible
Every home reachable by car, emergency vehicles and deliveries.
Tested
We check the effect on nearby streets so neighbours are not left with displaced traffic.
Questions we get asked
Does a low traffic layout mean no cars?
No. Cars can reach every home. The layout stops through traffic and makes walking and cycling more direct.
Will emergency services accept modal filters?
Usually, with suitable design, such as lockable bollards or camera control. We agree it with the council.
Can buses get through filters?
Yes, with bus gates where a route needs to pass through.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
Need help with low traffic layouts?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.