London transport strategy out for consultation
Londoners are being asked for their views on a Draft Transport Strategy published by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, which is currently out for consultation.
The Strategy has three overarching themes: healthy streets and healthy people; a good public transport experience; and new homes and jobs.
Its chief goal is to facilitate 80% of Londoners’ trips being made on foot, by cycle or on public transport by 2041.
The proposals are designed to tackle the capital’s key problems of car dependency and overcrowded rail, bus and Tube services. Increased provision of public transport is also needed to keep pace with London’s expanding population, which is forecast to grow from 8.7 million to 10.5 million over the next 25 years.
Among the proposals, the Strategy calls for Crossrail 2 to be given the go-ahead by the Government, and for responsibility for all suburban rail services to be devolved to the Mayor. A Docklands Light Railway extension is also planned to Thamesmead.
“Transport doesn’t only shape our daily lives and determine how we get around London, it can create new opportunities for Londoners and shape the character of our city,” said Khan.
“As Mayor, I’m working to deliver the affordable, reliable and safe service Londoners deserve and to unlock the power of transport to improve people’s lives.
“This world-leading strategy sets out a bold approach to creating a more liveable city, which will focus London’s transport planning on the long-term needs of all Londoners.”
The document’s content is being scrutinised by the London Assembly Transport Committee, while Transport for London will accept completed online responses until October 2. It is available at: https:// consultations .tfl.gov.uk/policy/ mayors-transport-strategy/