The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joined the Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz on a walkabout of Stratford High Street to see the significant progress made on the redevelopment of the area, to create a greener, safer and more attractive town centre.
The two Mayors were joined by Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner and Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Newham’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Sustainable Transport.
The group walked along Stratford Broadway and then towards the station to see the work carried out in the area by Newham Council in partnership with Transport for London (TfL) following consultation with residents and local businesses. The work started in September 2017 and is due to be completed by May 2019.
Major changes already completed include Stratford gyratory switching from one way to two way traffic and significant improvements made to public transport and cycling infrastructure.
Additionally, there are now new signal controlled junctions with full pedestrian and cycle facilities. Footway space has been improved and shared spaces for pedestrians and cyclists introduced. A segregated cycle lane has been implemented all the way round the gyratory along with a 20mph speed limit. The overall environment is also physically more attractive with planting, new seats, lighting upgrades and murals on shop fronts to encourage more people to enjoy the area. These were all carried out in line with the Mayor of London’s Healthy Streets initiative which aims to encourage more Londoners to walk, cycle and use public transport.
In addition to this work, there are a number of other partnership initiatives introduced in Newham to combat high levels of air pollution. TfL worked with the council to complete the plans for the Stratford Low Emission Bus Zone (LEBZ)]. Only new and retrofitted buses that meet the cleanest emission standards will operate within the zone.
Further to this, TfL and the Mayor of London also recently announced a £3.2 million investment with Newham Council to transform the Custom House area as part of the Liveable Neighbourhoods programme. A high quality cycling link will be built between Custom House Interchange and Cycle Superhighway 3 on Newham Way and a network of local routes developed to enable sustainable travel.
Mayor Fiaz said: “It is great we have been able to showcase the fantastic work that has been carried out in Stratford to the Mayor of London. This is an exemplary scheme that really demonstrates the significant work we are doing in partnership with TfL to tackle toxic air in London and make Newham a cleaner, active, safer and healthier borough with less traffic.
“I am fully in support of the Mayor of London’s shift towards sustainable transport and active travel. It is essential that we do all we can to tackle London’s toxic air crisis. I am proud of this truly transformational scheme which enhances Stratford’s appeal as a burgeoning cultural quarter and one of London’s top shopping destinations where both residents and visitors want to spend time.
“There is a pressing need for all levels of government to address the urgent issue of air pollution and tackle the causes of climate change. As a local authority that puts people at the heart of everything we do, we are committed to doing everything within our power to play our part in the global challenge to safeguard a sustainable future.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I’m delighted that Stratford gyratory is being transformed to make it safer and more welcoming for everyone who lives, works and visits the busy town centre.
“The new segregated cycle track, 20mph speed limit and improved walkways will enable many more people to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine. This is crucial to tackle our air quality crisis and reduce congestion.”
An environment for all is one of Newham Council’s key priorities and an Air Quality Action Plan is being brought forward for the borough. The Mayor of Newham has also set up an Air Quality and Climate Change Task Force to ensure a joined up approach between council departments to address health, transport and environmental concerns integral to improving air quality and environment.