Mayor’s Draft Transport Strategy is a “one size fits all plan”

The strategy contains 103 proposals and 24 policies and aims to reduce the need to use cars in London so that by 2041, 80 percent of all Londoners’ trips will be made on foot, by cycle or by public transport. 

Havering Council believes that this target for 80 percent of journeys to be made by foot, bike or public transport by 2041 is unrealistic for outer London boroughs.

Councillor Ramsey, Leader of the Council, said:

“We welcome proposals in the MTS to tackle congestion, improve air quality and road safety, and extend the step free access programme at stations; as well as greater use of the River Thames for freight. However, more work needs to be done on the draft.

“The MTS does not recognise the fact that many Havering residents travel around the borough by car and that Havering has an elderly population, many of whom rely on their cars to travel. The draft strategy should recognise that a “one size fits all” plan doesn’t work for outer London boroughs as we face very different challenges.

“We are also disappointed that the draft MTS does not yet include the key strategic transport infrastructure needed for Havering to support its expected future growth. The majority of growth in the next 25 years will be taking place in East London, so appropriate transport infrastructure is essential.

“There is no reference for the need to improve connections between the north and south of the borough or to tackle traffic management issues at Gallows Corner, a key junction on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). The Council has raised the importance of delivering strategic transport interventions for Havering and were expecting these aspirations to be recognised within the draft MTS.

“The Council would strongly encourage the Mayor to reconsider his priorities and I would very much welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Mayor and his deputies to ensure the needs of all Londoners are met.”

The consultation ends on Monday 2 October 2017.