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Public questions – Bromley Council Environment Committee, 23 January 2024

Questions from the Public for Written Response:

1) The Cargo Revolution Borough Charter is an opportunity for Local Authorities to be part of the transition to a greener economy and help make sure businesses and residents have the best possible chance of making the switch to cargo bikes. Will Bromley Council sign up and if not, then why?

We will not be signing this charter. We do not want to encourage the use of these slow moving and wide cargo bikes on busy roads which will impede other road users.

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Reclaim your street for the Big Lunch 2024

Links Estate Jubilee Street Party, 2022.
Image: Crowdfunder.

Following the success of street parties held across Bromley to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and the King’s Coronation in 2023, Bromley Council is waiving road closure fees for those applying to hold a street party in support of the Big Lunch on June 1 or 2, 2024.

What is the Big Lunch?
From the website: The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours and communities, with millions of people coming together for a few hours of food, friendship, and fun. It connects people and encourages friendlier, safer communities where people start to share more – conversations, ideas, skills, resources and friendship.

Find guidance on how to organise a street party here: Big Lunch resources.

How can I apply? Once you have formed a group of neighbours willing to organise and participate in the party, you can apply online here: Street parties and public events. Party organisers are responsible for informing neighbours and managing vehicle access points.

What are the deadlines? Applications must be submitted by March 4, 2024.

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Breathe London air quality monitor installed at Elmers End Free Church

On Saturday 20th January Bromley Living Streets installed a new air quality monitor at Elmers End Free Church on Goddard Road. We hope this monitor will make a valuable contribution to better understand air quality in Elmers End. Once the monitor is connected, real-time data will be available on the Breathe London website.

Image of the air quality monitor installed on the exterior wall of Elmers End Free Church
Breathe London monitor, Elmers End Free Church

The monitor, funded by the Breathe London Community Programme, is Bromley’s fourth node on the Breathe London network, following the installation of monitors at the Beckenham Beacon, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) and Orpington Hospital in mid-2022. Bromley Council also maintains an air quality monitor on Harwood Avenue near the Civic Centre, with data available online through the London Air Quality Network.

Bromley Council’s Air Quality Action Plan 2020-2025 identified Elmers End Road as having the highest NO2 concentration in the borough (based on data from diffusion tubes), with an average of 51µg/m³. This exceeds the UK annual average guideline of 40µg/m³ and the WHO annual average guideline of 10µg/m³.

If you are part of a local community or faith group that would be interested in installing an air quality node, please reach out to us at bromleygroup@livingstreets.org.uk. While the Breathe London scheme is not currently offering grants to purchase the monitors, we are looking for alternative funding sources and would love to partner with other local groups.

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Public consultation: Anerley Hill/Anerley Road proposed bus priority and pedestrian safety improvements

Bromley Council is currently consulting on a scheme to improve pedestrian safety and the reliability and punctuality of bus services on Anerley Hill/Anerley Road, between Crystal Palace Parade and Seymour Villas.

Proposed changes at intersection of Anerley Hill and Terrace Straight (entrance to Crystal Palace Park)

The proposed scheme includes:

  • Several lengths of bus lane to give priority to buses (within the current road space)
  • A new zebra crossing immediately to the north of the Thicket Road and Versailles Road junction
  • Continuous pavement crossings at side road junctions (also known as Copenhagen crossings)
  • The re-designs of the Terrace Straight and Anerley Park junctions to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross.
  • A new pedestrian crossing point immediately to the north of the Terrace Straight junction
  • Additional car parking near the junction of Hamlet Road to help support local businesses.

View the detailed drawings here: Anerley Hill/Anerley Road proposals

How to contribute:

  1. Complete the online questionnaire
  2. Attend the public exhibition at Anerley Town Hall, Tuesday 23rd January between 14:30-19:30
  3. Contact us at bromleygroup@livingstreets.org.uk to share any comments or issues that you would like to raise to our attention

The consultation closes on Thursday 1st February.

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New Beckenham Station underpass – concerns over new barriers

In November 2023 Bromley Council installed new barriers at the underpass next to New Beckenham Station, pictured below.

Photo showing chicane barriers at the entrance to the underpass by New Beckenham Station

Shortly after these were installed, we contacted ward councillors and council officials to raise concerns about the design of these barriers. Specifically the gap of ~1.15m between each barrier creates a very tight path for anyone travelling on a mobility scooter or wheelchair, using a cargo bike or handcycle (when dismounted), or with a double buggy.

As far as we know, council officials are considering whether the barriers could be adjusted to improve accessibility. We will continue to pursue this issue as the underpass is a key link for walking, cycling and wheeling around Beckenham, and maintaining access for users is essential. Please contact us at bromleygroup@livingstreets.org.uk if you would like to get involved, or have concerns you would like to raise.