The need for change

We want to reimagine the neighbourhood in such a way that it is fit to meet the challenges of the future. Meeting these challenges means creating an area that is low-traffic, climate resilient and suitable for active travel. These changes to the Streatham Wells area to reduce car use, promote more sustainable modes of transport, and make the area greener and more climate resilient are supported by several Lambeth policies and objectives.

Research has shown that a third of car journeys made in London are shorter than 2km, and 60% of car journeys are made alone, many of which could be switched to greener transport modes. The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report also underlines that urgent action is needed in order to prevent further climate catastrophe and to mitigate against existing climate change issues.

Lambeth’s climate emergency called for urgent action in order for the Council to become Carbon Neutral by 2030, improve local air quality and encourage greener modes of transport. The recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly call to reduce the number of journeys made using private vehicles, and to ensure greener transport options are introduced effectively and quickly. They also call for introducing new routes for walking and cycling, to ensure the borough offers an integrated green transport system.

Lambeth’s Transport Strategy aims to create a transport network that is inclusive and accessible to all, has a positive impact on quality of life and the environment, and will prioritise walking and cycling as well as a high-quality street environment. It envisions that the vast majority of trips in the borough will be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport and that Lambeth’s neighbourhoods are connected through low/no traffic routes for walking and cycling to give people a real alternative to short car trips. It also aims to fulfil the Mayor of London’s ‘Vision Zero’ by reducing road danger and making our roads safer for all.

Lambeth’s Emergency Transport Strategy was introduced as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, encouraging walking and cycling, introducing new Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) and creating more Healthy Routes. Streatham Wells was identified as potential future LTN as part of the Emergency Transport Strategy.

The Mayor of London’s Healthy Streets Approach is a new framework to improve air quality, reduce congestion and make communities healthier and greener. It includes a range of initiatives and elements, all of which aim to make our local streets more appealing, more accessible, and safer for people walking, cycling, and taking public transport

Lambeth’s Air Quality Action Plan prioritises continuing to encourage sustainable travel and reduce exposure to air pollution. In order to achieve this, especially pollution from road transport needs to be reduced. The plan calls for a modal shift towards more sustainable modes, including for sectors such as delivery & freight and construction.

As of November 15, the neighbouring Streatham Hill LTN is in its consultation phase. Find out more here and fill out the survey .