Making Westminster’s streets safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians is a vital part of Labour’s approach to transport.
Walking is by far the most popular way for Westminster residents to get about the city and to help pedestrians, the Council has taken the following steps:
- In 2023/24 we implemented about 200 ‘Dropped Kerbs’ schemes to enable improved access for all. This programme is planned to grow annually with more ‘Dropped Kerbs’ planned for future years.
- From 2022/23 to 2023/4 we upgraded six signalised crossings to full ‘Green Man’ standard, for example at Lisson Grove/Frampton Street, Blomfield Road/Edgware Road. Further upgrades are planned at Westbourne Park Road/Great Western Road, Kensington Road/Queens Gate and George Street/Seymour Place.
- From 2022/23 to 2024/25 we upgraded seven signalised Crossings to full ‘Pedestrian Countdown’
- New Zebra Crossings have been installed and upgraded, for example at Greycoat/ Rochester Row, with new ones planned at Westbourne.Terrace/Delamare Road and a 4-way zebra crossing at the junction with Gloucester Terrace and Porchester Square.
- We will be trialling 10 informal Zebra Crossings across Westminster
- Tactile pavement installations are incorporated within all new schemes.
- We have also completed several Local Safety Schemes which improve accessibility for pedestrians and vulnerable road users, by making modification to existing signals and providing enhanced informal pedestrian facilities. These schemes better align crossings, buildout pavements to reduce crossing distances, install raised tables and modify the physical environment to improve road safety and encourage more walking and cycling.
- We have collaborated with social enterprise, Footways to produce a new interactive walking map which reveals quiet streets for walking, with interesting features to discover on the way https://footways.london/westminster.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Cabinet Member of City Management and Air Quality, said:
“Walking is the best way to get about Westminster – to see the sights, get to work, go to the shops and parks, visit friends and to keep fit. Making our streets safer and easy to use is a vital part of giving pedestrians the best possible experience. We have made a good start but we know there is much more to do over the coming months and years.”