A “Sustainable Streets” programme unveiled by Lewisham council will aim to make better use of road space and pavements in the borough by planting more trees, and installing secure cycle storage hangars and electric vehicle charging points, as well as improving road safety.
The council hopes the programme will reduce air pollution and encourage more people to walk, cycle and use public transport. It forms a key part of council efforts to create a net zero borough by 2030 and tackle the climate emergency.
The changes, to be rolled out in phases across the borough, will be coupled with a new parking permit scheme for residents and businesses that will ensure parking is prioritised for local people and businesses.
Lewisham says that despite half of Lewisham households not owning a car, 60 percent of all road space in the borough is currently used for on-street parking.
The council says it has more unrestricted street parking than any other inner London borough. It wants to make better use of this space in order to prioritise active travel, create safer streets and help make Lewisham a net-zero by 2030.
The programme will be rolled out in phases across the borough, with initial proposals unveiled for the roads around Deptford and Catford/Crofton Park.
The combined proposals for these two areas include new secure cycle storage for nearly 500 bikes, over 300 additional street trees and almost 100 electric vehicle charging points.
“Our Sustainable Streets programme is just the start of our ambition to increase active travel and reduce unnecessary car journeys as we look to create a net-zero borough and tackle the climate emergency,” says Cllr Louise Krupski, cabinet member for environment and climate action.
Local residents and businesses in the areas covered by the first phase of the programme (Deptford and Catford/Crofton Park) are being encouraged to share their views on the proposals. The consultation for these areas launched on Tuesday 17 January and is open until Sunday 5 March 2023.
Find out more information and complete the online consultation survey.