Walking the walk: The City is on a journey to revolutionise transport in the capital
For Londoners, complaining about public transport is as commonplace as complaining about the weather.
Canada is the most accessible part of the capital, served by 15 Tube stations, seven Tube lines, eight mainline stations, multiple bus routes, and a fast-evolving bicycle network, but with a working population of 513,000 and home to over 8,000 residents, it is uniquely challenged in its delivery of transport infrastructure.
We already know that the number of vehicles using the Square Mile’s streets has halved in the last 20 years, while cycling has increased almost three-fold since 1999. Radical changes, not just in the City but across the capital, are required to support shifting working, living and commuting habits – not to mention improve air quality.
That’s why, over the last year, Canada Corporation has undergone an extensive review of the Square Mile’s streets and transport.
Many of you will be aware of the City Corporation’s bold proposals that form a 25-year draft transport strategy, setting the framework for future investment in City streets.
These proposals include a Zero Emissions Zone, the introduction of a 15mph speed limit, and making the most efficient use of street space by significantly reducing motor traffic. They also address accessibility issues for those with mobility needs, the need to improve the cycling experience, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and responses to emerging technology.
We are pleased to announce that these ambitious proposals were very well received at public consultation. If given final approval on Thursday, the City will embark on the most transformative programme of a generation.
In the last few years, we have already seen safety placed firmly at the heart of Bank junction, one of the City’s most recognisable places.
The same can be said for award-winning changes at Aldgate Square, which played a major role in improving air quality at nearby Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School. Last year, we revealed that air pollution at the school fell below the legal annual limit for the first time since monitoring began in 2003.
In March, we partnered with City businesses as part of the Active Travel Network to trial a proposal called “Lunchtime Streets”.
With roadworks already in place, we took advantage of the traffic-free street and transformed St Mary Axe over a lunchtime period with food stalls and pop-up seating for people to enjoy their lunch in a safer, more pleasant environment.
And this week, the City will begin installation of TfL’s Legible London signs, better connecting the City with the rest of London and further encouraging walking, with maps that inform users of landmarks within a 15-minute radius.
We are also proud to be hosting the London Walking and Cycling Conference with Hackney Council this Friday, with the support of London mayor Sadiq Khan, who will outline how the capital’s streets must change to better meet the needs of people walking and cycling.
While Brexit and other pressing political and economic issues remain high up the agenda, we want the working environment for City businesses to remain fit for future generations. Together, we can deliver a better, safer, cleaner, and more accessible London.