Streets for People

Our Streets for People strategy launched in July 2023. It sets out how we are moving away from favouring cars and, instead, freeing up space for walking, public transport and cycling. 

This supports:

• cleaner air
• less traffic and fewer accidents
• healthy travel options like walking, cycling and wheeling
• green and pleasant spaces for our communities to connect and socialise
• a better place for all who live, work, study and visit

Why we need Streets for People

Southwark is one of the most densely populated areas in the country. In other words, we do not have a huge amount of space per person so the space we do have is precious. Our streets are publicly owned and should be used for the things we most value.

Most streets are currently designed to prioritise cars, even though most people (60.3%) do not own one. Polluting vehicles contribute nearly half of the air pollution in London and road transport makes 18% of the borough’s overall carbon emissions. Because of this we’re moving away from favouring cars and freeing up space for walking, cycling and public transport.

The shift from streets for cars to streets for people will:

• reduce damaging air and noise pollution
• lower our carbon emissions, increase safety
• provide the facilities we all need to help build stronger communities and encourage healthier lifestyles

Download the Streets for People strategy (PDF, 5.4MB)

The delivery plan

The Streets for People delivery plan follows on from the strategy and outlines what we will do from 2025 to 2030.

It sets out to deliver the things you asked for, transforming streets and communities, improving walking and cycling routes and changing road layouts to improve bus journey times.

Download the Streets for People Delivery Plan

What you told us

To help shape out our delivery plan, we ran our largest ever consultation, with over 9,000 responses. 

Of the people who took part:

• 73% said they are concerned about the effects of climate change
• 72% are worried about the impact of poor air quality on children

You said you want:

• more trees and green space
• more accessible pavements
• less traffic
• better lighting
• traffic calming
• segregated cycling
• cycle hangars
• pedestrian crossings

Download the consultation report

Walking, cycling and electric vehicle plans

We have agreed plans to make walking, wheeling and cycling quicker, easier and safer for everyone in the borough.

Read the walking, cycling and electric vehicle plans