School Streets, cycle routes and e-scooter trials feature in Wandsworth strategy

Clare Fraser: We want to radically increase the number of journeys made on foot, by bicycle and on public transport

Clare Fraser: We want to radically increase the number of journeys made on foot, by bicycle and on public transport

Wandsworth Council has announced plans to extend its School Streets programme to cover 50% of primary schools in the borough. This is one of the aims in the council’s Future Streets strategy, which sets out its plans for “cleaner, greener, safer travel”.

Future Streets includes plans for an e-scooter trial in the borough, along with measures to ensure more responsible use of e-bike hire schemes – and fewer pavement obstructions.

The council said it is bringing forward plans for an extensive new cycle route on Burntwood Lane. New cycle routes are to be installed in and around Putney High Street while there will be pedestrian safety measures at the busy crossing points on Putney High Street near Putney Bridge.

Another ambition laid out in the strategy is to expand the borough’s network of electric vehicle charging points to support emissions-free motoring.

The council has received grants from Transport for London worth around £3m to enact these measures

Cabinet Member for Transport Clare Fraser said these measures were in addition to an ongoing series of initiatives to support cleaner and greener modes of travel. They include, she said, the unveiling of the borough’s 100th bike hangar – with a commitment to provide secure storage space for another 1,000 bikes in the next two years.

“We are serious about delivering the kind of sustainable active travel options that will help people to take up cleaner and greener forms of travel,” said Fraser.

“We want to radically increase the number of journeys made on foot, by bicycle and on public transport. Reducing unnecessary car usage will have significant benefits for people’s health and well-being and help raise air quality standards. And in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis where family finances are under severe pressure, choosing to travel on foot or by bike can offer big savings to residents.

“This package of measures is just the beginning. We are committed to tackling congestion, improving air quality and making our roads and streets safer for all.”

Wandsworth’s Labour administration, which replaced the ruling Conservatives in May’s local elections, had pledged more School Streets and a doubling of cycle parking in its manifesto (LTT 16 May).

London’s walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman, said: “We’ve seen a huge rise in walking and cycling over recent years as more and more Londoners, across all ages, enjoy using sustainable ways to get around the capital. It’s fantastic to see great boroughs like Wandsworth taking bold action to deliver these greener and more sustainable transport options for residents.”