Improving transport
The number of people living in the Royal Borough has increased dramatically in the past decade; a trend that looks set to continue.
Though Kensington and Chelsea is one of the most economically successful boroughs in London, long-term investment in the transport infrastructure is vital if this is to continue.
The borough is served by 13 Tube stations connected to five London Underground lines.
Residents are also served by rail and bus services, as well as an extensive road network.
Though the Council’s Cabinet has instituted a series of policies designed to improve transport, there are still a number of key improvements it feels must be placed firmly on the agenda.
At the end of February the Council published ‘Transport and Streetscape Policies’.
This document sets out the Council’s key policies, and makes the case for desired improvements.
It was published soon after the previous Mayor of London announced plans for a £25 a day charge for higher-polluting vehicles.
This was timely, because the document is also intended as a reminder to the Mayor’s office of the key role London’s boroughs play in improving transport.
Not only are they better placed to respond to local transport needs but they remain the highways authority for about 95 per cent of the capital’s roads.
Below we review some of the actions the Council is supporting and some of the key actions it is is pursuing to secure the borough’s transport infrastructure.
Streetscape
Kensington and Chelsea Council has led the way in promoting and implementing innovative streetscape design principles.
Exemplified by the work carried out in Kensington High Street, the principle involves changing the design of roads and pavements, making them clutter-free and safer for pedestrians.
Traffic signs and road markings are kept to a minimum and smaller details are also incorporated, such as co-ordinated designs and colours.
Yorkstone is used for pavements while ‘quiet’ asphalt is used on major surfaces to keep noise to a minimum.
Care and consideration is also given to the location and choice of street furniture – this includes anything from benches to payphones and road crossing islands.
One major point about streetscape is that the needs of all road users – drivers and pedestrians – are considered equally.
In certain instances this has led to the removal of pedestrian barriers to give pedestrians more options in crossing a road.
The Council will be applying streetscape principles in other areas of the borough, most notably in Exhibition Road where work to improve visitor access will start next year.
Better public transport
The Council has lobbied long and hard for improvements to London’s infrastructure and ‘Transport and Streetscape Policies’ reinforces this.
Buses can be best helped by traffic management measures and parking controls that improve traffic flow.
The Council takes these factors into account when making any decision involving traffic management.
The poor reliability of the Circle Line has been highlighted in the document which details how the Royal Borough has been applying pressure on London Underground to ensure that planned improvements to track, rolling stock and stations are not compromised by the recent collapse of Metronet.
‘Transport and Streetscape Policies’ details how the Council is a strong supporter of the West London Line and has lobbied hard to protect services linking Olympia and West Brompton to Brighton and Watford.
It also explores the need for a new station in north Kensington.
It details how Kensington and Chelsea Council has helped negotiate a £7 million funding package to build a new railway station at Imperial Wharf, near the south of the borough.
Negotiated with Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Transport for London, the overground station is set to open in 2009.
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Managing space and reducing emissions
There is a huge demand for space on Kensington and Chelsea’s mainly residential roads – and a growing recognition of the need to reduce harmful emissions from motor traffic.
To control and improve the flow of traffic the Council is implementing a series of measures.
In the last year, it has facilitated the expansion of car clubs – or “pay as you go driving”.
There are nearly 100 on-street car club bays in the borough, meaning that virtually all Royal Borough residents live within a five minute walk of at least one car club car.
A system of graduated parking charges – whereby higher-polluting vehicles pay more to park in the borough – will be introduced this summer and more motorcycle parking bays are being created.‘Transport and Streetscape Policies’ also details a number of additional policies the Council supports including promoting walking and cycling schemes and ensuring high standards in street cleaning and winter maintenance.
Which of the Royal Borough’s transport issues are most pressing, and what do you think the Council should be doing about them? Or are you happy with the Council’s level of commitment to improving Kensington and Chelsea’s transport infrastructure?
You can add your comments by writing to rbkcdirect@rbkc.gov.uk.
Copies of ‘Transport and Streetscape Policies’ are available from Transportation and Highways, Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX and on this website Download Transport and Streetscape Policies [PDF file] (Large file: 2.74 Mb)
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