Liberal Democrats)
The Lib Dems would support a number of Liveable Neighbourhood bids, we do not see the need to limit the number of bids. The bids would certainly include steps to ensure walkability, cyclibility, linking into other networks, enjoyment of the outdoors and reduce use in the area.
Lib Dem response to London Living Streets and Camden Cycling Campaign.
The Liberal Democrats fully support more active travel and safer routes for those walking and cycling. We are developing policies to make streets and communities more livable, quieter, cleaner. We also support increased use of public transport, increased public transport provision and the reduction of use of private motor vehicles and better coordination of deliveries.
The Lib Dems recognize the how more active travel and greener environments improves health, reduces obesity and improves wellbeing. It also lowers the chronic problem we face with air pollution.
The Lib Dems are committed to vastly improve conditions for walking and cycling across the borough, especially for children to and from school as we see the benefits of active travel from the very youngest ages. We would also work with schools to develop more active travel policies so parents feel empowered to give up the car for short journeys.
We welcome the continued development of a borough wide cycle network that isaccessible to all. We want the cycling and walking network to support and enhance access to public transport. We also see opportunities for routes to quieten residential back streets that are currently used as cut throughs. These same opportunities can also help to develop pocket parks, increase tree planting
and provide shared EV charging points.
We support the aspiration of at least 50% of people interested in cycling being able to do so safely and with enjoyment and to ensure the network is developed for school age children.
The Lib Dems would support a number of Liveable Neighbourhood bids, we do not see the need to limit the number of bids. The bids would certainly include steps to ensure walkability, cyclibility, linking into other networks, enjoyment of the outdoors and reduce use in the area.
The Camden Lib Dems are aware that there are now a number of very good examples of living streets and cycle routes that are highly popular by the vast majority of residents. We would want to build on this best practice, including segregated and filtered routes.
We fully support the ‘Liveable Neighbourhoods’ initiative and strategic aims, a better experience of walking, cycling, using public transport and increase opportunities to use streets as public spaces and for play.
Camden Lib Dems are also aware that there are a number of highly unpleasant roads and junctions within the borough, some of these are under the control of the TfL. We see that there is a huge role for Camden Council to actually show some leadership, in tackling these dangerous and unpleasant streets in conjunction with TfL and the Mayor.
We have not developed specific solutions, but work should be done, in conjunction with TfL, on Camden Road, the Kings Cross one way system and Camden High Street. On Camden High Street we would like to see the pavements extended, the road to be only accessible to 2 way busses and cycles only, and with all other traffic rerouted down Camden Street and Bayham Street,
which would both also become two way streets.
We hope we have covered all of your points, please contact us if you need any
further clarification.
Our Local Manifesto
Two out of our 8 headline policies are directly related to the campaign you are
also promoting. Local relevant Camden Lib Dem Policies for the Local Elections:
1. Reduce air pollution especially near schools, install 760 electric charging
points, and develop 25 ‘pocket parks’
2. Promote walkability, including wider pavements and better crossings, and
safer cycling to school
We also have some other policies we would pursue:
• Work closely with Camden Air Action Group to develop an air quality
action plan and report annually on progress
• Reduce air pollution, especially near schools and nurseries
• Install 760 electric charging points, covering most streets in the borough
• Enforce anti-idling of coaches and taxis at tourist destinations/stations
• Aim for all Camden Council and contractor vehicles to be zero emission by
2022
• Set out a clear medium-term framework for environmentally tailored
parking charges
• Switch all Camden street lights to energy-saving LED by 2022
In our busy urban borough, our parks and green spaces are so valuable.
Camden Lib Dems will:
• Protect our green spaces and our trees. Plant at least two new trees for
every one that has to be removed.
• Develop 25 ‘pocket parks’, in areas where there is community demand.
• Revive Camden’s participation in the Green Flag award for parks.
• Reopen the award-winning Kilburn Grange adventure playground as soon
as possible.
• Support communal food growing and gardening (including in schools and
on estates) and encourage local food markets.
Transport, cycling and walking
Camden could be a safer, easier place for pedestrians and cyclists to get around.
Camden Lib Dems will:
• Promote walkability, including wider pavements and better crossings, and
remove unnecessary street clutter.
• Actively enforce the 20mph speed limit, prioritising streets with schools and parks.
• Look for opportunities to make some streets pedestrian-only
• Encourage and enable safer cycling to school, and maintain free cycling
training for children and young people
• Urgently pursue improved safety at dangerous spots such as Camden
Road/Brecknock Road and King’s Cross
• Explore the development of cycle lanes and safer cycling routes, in close
consultation with local residents, including in Mill Lane. Ensure that
existing cycling lanes are well-maintained and well-lit.
• Expand the availability of cycle parking and storage solutions, and
promote cycling by council staff and contractors.
• Adopt a more flexible and transparent approach to reviewing parking
zones, starting with Maygrove Road
Camden Council should push Transport for London (TfL) for a better deal for our
residents. Camden Lib Dem will:
• Work with local groups to persuade TfL to invest in step-free access at
Kentish Town and West Hampstead tube stations, and a new entrance to
address congestion/safety on West End Lane
• Push TfL to reverse the cuts to the C11 bus route and fight their latest
proposals to reduce 328 services
• Work with Brent Council and TfL to take forward the long-delayed
improvements to Kilburn High Road for pedestrians and cyclists
