City of London Corporation unveils draft transport strategy

The City of London Corporation has developed a long-term transport strategy for the Square Mile’s streets and transport.

On a daily basis, over 500,000 workers commute into London’s business district, which spans just over one square mile.

The plan proposes to introduce a congestion charge with the aim of reducing motor traffic by 25% by 2030 and 50% by 2044.

It also sets out measures for fewer vehicles on City streets, by introducing a street hierarchy to encourage drivers to use the right street for the right journey. Vehicles that do not have a final destination in the City will be directed away from pedestrian priority areas.

The City of London Corporation also wants Britain’s first large scale Zero Emission Zone to cover central London and, in the interim, introduce local zero emission zones covering the Eastern City Cluster and Barbican and Golden Lane.

The plan also says that pedestrians are the priority and that planning, infrastructure and safety changes will be developed by first prioritising the needs of people walking, while seeking to minimise any impact on essential traffic.

The plan also aims for the introduction of a City-wide 15mph speed limit and also wants to reduce deliveries by 50% by 2030 with off-site consolidation, timed access and loading restrictions for freight vehicles.

The Strategy includes further proposals which address accessibility issues for those with mobility needs, on street security, improving the cycling experience, transformative public realm principles, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and emerging technology.

The draft Strategy will be presented to the Planning and Transportation Committee for consideration on Tuesday 30 October. If approved, consultation on the Strategy and draft Delivery Plan, which outlines how the City Corporation will phase short-term deliverables over the next three years, will begin in November. The final Strategy will be submitted to City Corporation decision making bodies in Spring 2019.