The Royal Greenwich Council has announced plans to invest £3.1 million in its transport network to make it cleaner, safer, and healthier. The funding will support the implementation of a range of transport priorities over the next year, as outlined in the Council’s new Transport Strategy. This includes investments in pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, traffic management schemes, and the introduction of 20mph speed limits, Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), and School Streets in priority areas.
Additionally, the Council will introduce emissions-based parking charges to encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly modes of travel. Free cycle training and a ‘try before you bike’ scheme will also be implemented, run with Peddle My Wheels.
Overview
According to Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, the Council is committed to creating a world-class transport network that enables residents, businesses, and visitors to make the most of all the opportunities offered throughout Royal Greenwich. This includes giving people access to housing, jobs, leisure and education.
The Council believes that the way people move through the borough is key to long-term health and wellbeing. By making it easier to walk, cycle, and get around, the Council hopes to improve the health of its residents while reducing traffic and air pollution.
Greenwich Council’s plan
The Council’s investment in pedestrian and cycle infrastructure is a significant step towards achieving this goal. By improving the infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, the Council hopes to encourage more people to choose active modes of transport, which can help to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. This investment also supports the Council’s efforts to create a healthier and more sustainable borough.
The introduction of traffic management schemes is another key priority for the Council. These schemes aim to tackle traffic congestion and improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles on the road. The Council plans to introduce 20mph speed limits in priority areas, as well as Controlled Parking Zones and School Streets. These measures will help to create safer and more pleasant streets for pedestrians and cyclists, while also reducing air pollution.
The Council’s decision to implement emissions-based parking charges is another important step towards encouraging sustainable travel. By charging more for high-emission vehicles, the Council hopes to incentivize people to switch to cleaner and more efficient modes of transport. This is part of the Council’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and become carbon neutral by 2030.
The Council’s investment in free cycle training and a ‘try before you bike’ scheme is also a welcome development. These initiatives will encourage more people to take up cycling as a mode of transport, which can have significant health benefits while also reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Final thought
Overall, the Royal Greenwich Council’s investment in its transport network is a positive step towards creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier borough. By prioritising active modes of transport, introducing traffic management schemes, and incentivising sustainable travel, the Council is working towards its goal of creating a world-class transport network that benefits everyone in the borough. These initiatives will also support the Council’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and become carbon neutral by 2030.