The Impact of 2020 Low Traffic Neighbourhoods on Fire Service Emergency Response Times, in London, UK

Between March and September 2020, 72 ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhoods’ (LTNs) were implemented in London. We examined the impact on fire brigade emergency response times October 2020-February 2021 (‘post’), as compared to same months previous two years (‘pre’). found no evidence that inside LTNs or boundary roads affected (e.g. pre/post change for first engine: -14 seconds LTNs; -11 rest of London; p=0.4 difference). Fire crews reported more delays due ‘traffic calming measures’ LTNs, but this was entirely offset by a decrease other reasons, particularly ‘traffic’. This true both predominately blocked motor traffic using physical barriers planters) camera enforcement. These findings add do not adversely affect times.