Low Traffic Schemes For All?

I have posted previously on the creation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and raised the issue that, at least in some people's perception, it displaces rat runs to adjoining streets and on to already busy roads. A study by Aldred and Verlinghieri of Westminster University's Active Travel Academy confirms that, 9 in 10 people across London live on residential streets (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/16/claim-low-traffic-schemes-only-benefit-better-off-debunked-in-new-study). They suggest that residential streets show few disparities in demographic differences based on income, age, ethnic background, disability or access to a car. Although, in their study, 87% of people from each group live on a residential street, I don't think that this can be taken to mean that the mix is consistent in all streets even within an area. Their conclusion is that "Interventions in general that improve all residential streets within an area should benefit most people living there in each demographic category" (the quote needs a bit of punctuation). I think the key word here is 'all'. If all the residential streets are converted into LTNs and the mix of demographies within them is fixed, there can be no suggestion that it benefits only 'better-off households'. It is, however, a common perception that planners pick which streets to make LTNs and that could make lives more difficult for some people in adjoining poorer areas. Not all residential streets show a full range of demographics (even in 'lower income boroughs' such as Hackney, where houses can be expensive). There is another (opposite?) perception that it is well-heeled individuals (in areas like Westminster, itself) who object to developments, such as extensions to cycle routes. I am personally enthusiastic about LTNs and note that they are also being rolled out in Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester. I still think, however, that planners need to ensure that, in making life better for the majority, they are not piling further pressure on others. One needs to be aware of what demographies exist in particular 'residential streets'.