Greenwich London Borough Council will be investing £3.1m into the borough’s transport network to make local travel options safer and more sustainable, according to a new announcement.
The funding, which is set to include £1m from the council’s own budget and £2.1m from Transport for London (TfL), will support the delivery of a number of key projects from the council’s updated transport strategy, including:
- improvements to pedestrian and cycle infrastructure to encourage people to walk, cycle and wheel more often
- tackling traffic and improving air quality through traffic management schemes in neighbourhoods where residents have reported serious congestion and safety problems
- introducing 20mph speed limits, Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and School Streets in priority areas
- implementing emissions-based parking charges to reduce emissions and encourage more sustainable travel
- delivering free cycle training and a ‘try before you bike’ scheme, run in partnership with Peddle My Wheels.
Cllr Averil Lekau, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “We’re committed to creating a world-class transport network that enables our residents, businesses and visitors to make the most of all the opportunities offered throughout Royal Greenwich – giving people access to housing, jobs, leisure, education and culture.
“How we move through our borough is also key to our long-term health and wellbeing. The easier we make it to walk, cycle and move around, the healthier we will all be. As we reduce traffic and fumes, we’ll make our air cleaner to breathe too.
“All the transport projects we have in the pipeline essential to our push to become carbon neutral by 2030.”
What’s more, as part of its network upgrades the council is also considering options for traffic management measures in west and east Greenwich, where many residents have reported concerns about congestion, poor air quality and road safety.
Following local consultations, a CPZ has also been introduced in Eltham and officers are working on proposals for a zone in Abbey Wood. CPZs have been introduced to preserve residential parking space, and work by restricting on-street parking during peak hours, reducing traffic and encouraging greater use of public transport.
The council will also be making efforts to encourage more active travel, as part of the Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme, which is one of just five Liveable Neighbourhoods that TfL has funded this year.
The new transport strategy was formally adopted in October 2022, following a consultation which received more than 6,400 comments and suggestions from residents.
