Tuesday, July 28 2009
Since Sutton became London’s first “sustainable borough” with the launch of Smarter Travel Sutton three years ago, the project has seen a 50% increase in cycling since last year, a 13 % increase in bus use and a reduction in car trips.
Now transport planner JMP will be working to lock in these benefits by delivering the borough’s first integrated transport package in Wallington, aimed at implementing a range of physical measures to maintain and encourage further travel behaviour change.
Last year the Council developed a strategy for doing just this. Enabling Smarter Travel Choices, authored by JMP, showed how such integrated transport schemes could be used to improve public transport, walking and cycling networks within and around district centres, projected as hubs of local trip-making.
After receiving a favourable funding package from TfL in last year’s Local Implementation Plan, Sutton has now recommissioned JMP to deliver the first integrated transport package. The project will be based on substantial community consultation and engagement to ensure that measures to promote sustainable travel reflect local needs and can be taken forward with the support of the local community.
A completed package of measures coming from these consultations will be finalised by early 2010, ready for implementation.