Transport in Wandsworth - have your say

Wandsworth Council is undertaking a major public consultation on its transport policies and proposals for the next five years.

The Mayor of London published his Transport Strategy for London in 2001 and he now wants all London councils to produce local plans showing how we are helping to implement his strategy.

These plans – known as “Local Implementation Plans” (LIPs) – are required by law. To help develop its plan, the council needs to know people’s views on transport in Wandsworth and what the borough’s priorities should be.

Town hall transport officials will analyse people’s views and use them to develop a “Final LIP”, which will be submitted to the Mayor in November. If the Mayor approves, it will form the blueprint for local transport initiatives up to 2011.

Consultation booklets and questionnaires are available in libraries and town hall reception points. Copies can also be requested by telephoning (020) 8871 6674, or emailing lip@wandsworth.gov.uk The council’s draft plan can be viewed at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/lip where the questionnaire can be completed online.

The consultation period runs until August 19.

The council's existing transport strategy has a number of aims. These are:

- To improve road safety;
- To maintain and improve the quality of the environment;
- To maintain and improve the efficient movement of all traffic, including pedestrians;
- To maintain and improve accessibility to the transport system for everyone;
- To develop walking, cycling and public transport as viable and safe alternatives to the private car;
- To reduce the need for travel through greater travel awareness and use of local services and facilities;
- To provide effective and enhanced enforcement of traffic and parking restrictions;
- To oppose large-scale road building as unsustainable;
- To facilitate effective and sustainable economic growth and regeneration;
- To make the best use of the transport infrastructure by effective maintenance and management;
- To support large-scale investment in public transport.

The draft LIP includes policies and proposals to address all of these areas. These include

- road safety improvements
- measures to improve the reliability of buses
- major public transport enhancements including extension of the East London Line and Tramlink
- easier access in and around town centres, especially on foot
- parking management
- cycle routes and cycle parking
- travel awareness campaigns and events
- safe routes to school and school travel plans