While the Mayor’s new London Plan has made positive strides in helping cut car dependency he has undermined his own healthy streets agenda with pushing forwards on new roads, says Caroline Russell AM.
More of the new housing developments in central and inner London with good public transport access won’t have any parking spaces – a move welcomed by Caroline.
Caroline Russell says:
“Helping Londoners cut car dependency by allowing fewer parking spaces is a good thing – if it is balanced alongside providing good public transport.
“However the Mayor is taking one step forward and two backwards with his healthy streets strategy by marching on with building new roads. New roads always mean new traffic.
“Building the toxic Silvertown tunnel – planned for an already horrendously polluted area in London – as well as Gallions Reach and Belvedere road crossings is completely at odds with the Mayor’s own Transport Strategy that aims to cut traffic, not increase it.
“The Mayor doesn’t mention measuring traffic at all in his London Plan but his draft Transport Strategy aims to cut traffic by 15 per cent. If this aim isn’t backed up in his London Plan can we take him at his word?
“London’s car dominance needs to end. Londoners need their roads back for better public transport journeys, and to enable more trips by walking and cycling.”