CroydonNews

Croydon outlines its bid for TfL cash to make streets safer and more attractive

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

Active travel projects and traffic-calming measures planned for Croydon have been announced, with the council publishing its three-year funding bid for Transport for London (TfL).

The proposals, for £23 million of funding, would see a continuation of the ‘healthy streets’ concept and new infrastructure across the borough.

There is a particular emphasis on improving street safety, with a specific focus on areas with high collision rates. Accessibility of travel is another area where Croydon is calling for more TfL funding.

The council’s Local Implementation Plan (LIP), approved at a cabinet meeting last Wednesday, covers a range of areas and will work alongside the council’s existing Reconnect Croydon and town centre redevelopment project. The bid is subject to TfL’s approval in March 2025.

Under the plans, areas like Addiscombe East and West will see more traffic calming measures. Cycle routes between major green areas will also be improved, and the council is also seeking extra funding for cycle safety training.

After introducing the LIP, Scott Roche, cabinet member for streets and environment, told the chamber: “The plan is about making our streets safer, healthier and more welcoming for all.

“It focuses on improving the safety of our roads, particularly near schools. Improving the safety of cycling through cycle training, helping to provide people with the skills they need to cycle safely on our streets.”

The council has insisted that while the TfL’s LIP grant will be used for significant transport improvements, it cannot be used for routine maintenance or renewal of highway assets, including fixing potholes.

The healthy street concept focuses on reducing traffic in residential areas and making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Addiscombe East and West would see more zebra and signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings and upgraded pavements.

Tree planting, seating and on-street cycle parking would be part of the new look and better drainage systems would be created. Closures to reduce traffic flows in local streets are also in the blueprint.

Croydon has called on TfL for over £3m of funding to improve cycle and walking corridors between a number of key green spaces in the borough. The three focus areas are Mitcham Common to Wandle Park, Lloyd Park to Addington Park and Lloyd Park to South Norwood Country Park.

Croydon has also called for funding to deliver 10 cycle hangars across the borough each year for the next three years. The Council has also asked for £228k to deliver cycle training for children and adults.

New crossings and junction layouts are planned for accident hotspots at Lower Addiscombe Road, Brigstock Road, Portland Road and Crown Point.

The authority has also asked TfL for over £10m to fund bus improvements over the next three years – a review of routes, stops and and waiting areas.

Mayor Jason Perry said: “Residents really value Croydon’s excellent transport links and I want to make sure that everyone is benefitting from them, by improving connections right across our borough.

“Our proposals are about making it quicker, easier and safer for people to travel around by bus, bike and on foot, and improving our roads for all users.

“I also want us to work with partners to ensure these transport upgrades improve the look and feel of our public places, helping to make them safer, more accessible and more attractive for everyone.”

Pictured top: A bus stop in Croydon (Picture: LDRS/Harrison Galliven)

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