New proposals to make cycling and walking an ‘easier and more convenient alternative’ to driving in London will be published by London’s mayor this week.
Sadiq Khan’s draft London Plan will require property developers to double the amount of cycling parking provision in many new developments.
New housing and offices near public transport links will be required to be ‘car-free’, with no parking provided other than for disabled people.
Sadiq Khan says it is ‘essential’ that London reduces its reliance on cars.
The Mayor’s Draft Transport Strategy, published earlier this year, sets out plans to increase the proportion of trips in London made on foot, by cycle or using public transport to 80% by 2041 (compared to 64% at present) – meaning an average of 3m fewer car journeys in London each day.
Measures to be announced in the Mayor’s draft London Plan include:
- Doubling the level of cycle parking required outside shops
- A ‘significant’ increase in the cycle parking requirements for new office developments – especially in areas where demand for cycle parking is high, or which have the most potential for cycling growth
- Long-stay cycle parking requirements for student accommodation will double from one space per two bedrooms to one-to-one provision
- Housing developments in the parts of London that are best connected by public transport will now be expected to be car-free, with no parking provided, other than for disabled people
- Office developments in central and inner London – the areas best served by public transport – will no longer provide any commuter or visitor parking, other than for disabled people and for essential delivery and servicing purposes
- Any parking that is provided will be required to support electric or ultra-low emission vehicles.
Sadiq Khan said:
“We need to be bolder in encouraging people to reduce their reliance on cars. It’s essential for dealing with congestion as London’s population grows, and crucial for reducing our toxic air pollution emissions.
“My draft London Plan will set out how I want to transform how London’s infrastructure works, making cycling and walking a safe and convenient alternative for millions more journeys every day.
“If you buy or rent a home in London and make regular journeys to the work or shops, I want to see safe and secure cycle parking available for every journey, across all parts of the city. For too long our housing and infrastructure has been built solely around the car.”
28 November 2017