London Borough of Richmond upon Thames's comments on the public consultation draft of the Mayor's Transport Strategy

Introduction

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames welcomes the opportunity to comment on the draft Mayor's Transport Strategy and supports the overarching transport vision and goals for London. These goals, particularly on Climate Change, Road Safety and Transport Opportunities are in line with Richmond's transport policies.

We also welcome the recognition of the role of Boroughs in identifying and delivering transport improvements to the road network.

Our comments on specific proposals are as follows:

Cycling and Walking

As a Smarter Travel Borough we are fully committed in promoting sustainable modes of transport particularly cycling and walking and their integration with other modes of travel.

We support the idea of the Cycle Superhighways and the principle of providing a dedicated road space to cyclists. However, we note that the proposed Superhighways are radial and that no plans have been laid out for orbital routes or for the delivery of feeder routes allowing cyclists to access these Superhighways.

This is a particular concern to us as none of the proposed Superhighways pass through our boundaries and our cyclists will have to travel either North or East to access these routes.

We would also like to see a network of orbital, as well as radial Cycle Superhighways, particularly for boroughs in Outer London.

Heathrow Airtrack

We welcome the Mayor's support for the Airtrack proposal and the recognition of the need to effectively mitigate any adverse impacts such as increased `down times' at level crossings and the associated congestion and pollution on local communities.

We recognise the financial and technical constraints in building tunnels or overhead bridges in an urban environment; however, we believe that investment in appropriate technologies (such as European Rail Traffic Management System) could be a leading part of any mitigation package.

Heathrow Extension and Crossrail

We fully support Crossrail proposals which will significantly help in sustaining and enhancing London's economic viability.

We, however, also wish to see a similar level of commitment to invest in promoting new orbital rail routes, so that the economic benefits are spread across London in a more sustainable and equitable manner.

Heathrow Expansion

We have long opposed the expansion of Heathrow Airport and welcome the Mayors stance on this issue.

Bus Network

We note the changed emphasis in London Bus Priorities Network (LBPN) and proposal to keep it under review for the purpose of further investigation in this area.

We believe that there is a stronger `transport apparatus' argument to keep an appropriate level of investment in LBPN, particularly in the context of outer London Boroughs who are not well resourced with Underground and Overground rail networks.

The Sub Regional Transport Plans and Local Partnerships could prove to be effective vehicles to achieve a better local bus-network.

Climate Change and CO2 Emissions

We fully support the Mayors agenda on Climate Change and reduction in CO2 emissions from transport and feel that the target, a 60 per cent reduction against 1990 CO2 levels by 2025, would benefit from interim targets.

These interim targets will help in assessing and monitoring progress and identifying the need to re-align our efforts in good time.

Lane Rental

We fully support the Mayor's intention to promote Lane Rental proposal and believe this to be an efficient way forward in managing works by Utility Companies on public highways.

Sub Regional Transport Plans

The draft Strategy refers to new transport sub-regions and their potential role in regional transport planning.

We acknowledge the importance of regional planning to address both cross-borough and shared transport challenges and objectives. We would like to see further details and full consultation undertaken in defining their roles and responsibilities.

Other Issues

Electric Vehicles

We, in principle, support the electric vehicle charging point proposals but suggest that investment in infrastructure is carefully balanced with current and future demand on this issue.

High Occupancy Lanes

We support the opening up of bus lanes to coaches, mini-buses and motorcycles.