Low Traffic Neighbourhood Frenzies?

In the UK, local government elections are imminent. An issue being whipped up in the 'debate', is the 'imposition' of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in towns and cities (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/apr/22/england-low-traffic-neighbourhoods-provoke-fury-local-elections). A daily 'newspaper' has stated that "eco-crazy councils (have) turned our streets into Gridlock Britain". I have real news for them! 'Gridlock Britain' is the current default position. Car traffic is highly congested in most areas. Even 'short' trips take longer and longer, wasting much time. We cannot road-build our way out of congestion. Road traffic accidents are the major cause of serious injuries and deaths in the UK. Pedestrians and cyclists are especially at risk from vehicular transport (they have little/no protections). Petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles poison air quality in cities. The noxious fumes produced, along with particulates, cause disease and premature deaths in substantial numbers of the population (especially the poor, in our towns and cities). It hardly needs saying that petrol and diesel-fuelled transport, is a major source of 'greenhouse gas' emissions (are these really only of concern to the 'eco-crazy'?). Whipped up antipathy to LTNs, has already resulted in arson, vandalism and death threats. 'Local' political campaigns have been launched with the sole promise being to scrap LTNs. LTNs inevitably cause some folk (often the powerful motoring lobby), concerns. People generally don't like change and there will be winners and losers. The creation of LTNs obviously needs to be done sensitively. 'Tweaks' should follow to resolve any real problems, that later become apparent. Such zones are, however, really badly needed in the UK's towns and cities. LTNs don't deserve their bete noire status.