The results are in. Southwark Council’s Streets for People consultation has underlined something that our community has long been passionate about; we need investment in green and healthy street environments that put walking and cycling first. This is a key element of making a great place for business in London Bridge.
The report for last year’s London Bridge consultation has now been released, with useful input from workers, visitors, and residents. Not only does it show that the projects we want are well supported, but also that 98% of us are getting around sustainably. More than most areas, as a major transport hub for the capital, London Bridge must react swiftly to meet the needs of the travelling public.
New cycle lanes, uncluttered pavements, and street trees
The responses to design ideas were resounding.
- 95% of respondents are keen to see the public realm enhancements to Holyrood Street which would create a level pedestrian surface (with vehicle access) and street trees.
- 88% want pavement improvements on Snowsfields, including continuous uncluttered pavements.
- 76% want improvements for cyclists including the introduction of a contraflow cycle lane linking Borough High Street and Newcomen Street in the west to Tooley Street heading east.
- 81% want to see traffic calming measures, and 83% want reduced parking to enable these measures.
These numbers support everything we have learnt from our ‘Healthy Approach’ in London Bridge research and our consultations with businesses leading up to our BID ballot last year.
A sustainable district for travel
London Bridge is supporting the capital as it shifts towards much needed cleaner, active and healthy travel choices. The Mayor of London has set a long-term transport target to get 80% of London travelling sustainably (walking, cycling and public transport) by 2041.
Based on Southwark Council’s transport counts and travel behaviour surveys around London Bridge, we think London Bridge really is already one of the most sustainable locations for transport in London… or any major capital in the world for that matter! 98% of those surveyed arrived by rail, tube, bus, walking or cycling, providing a clear requirement for us to help make sure these journey experiences are safe, enjoyable and appealing.
Team London Bridge has been supporting Southwark Council’s Streets for People strategy over the past couple of years to make sure we get the investment we need to support our priorities in London Bridge.
We look forward to working with Southwark to delivering these schemes and getting the green and fantastic walking and cycling environment that our community craves. What better way to enjoy being in this wonderful area!
For more information on the above, read the engagement report here.