1) Bromley’s Air Quality Action Plan (2020-25) aims to obtain funding to create a new public space at Elmers End Green, with walking and cycling improvements. Have funding applications been submitted for this scheme, and if not, why has it not been prioritised over other schemes across Bromley?
The proposal for a major public realm improvement at Elmers End Green has become a lower priority since the funding received by Bromley for Liveable Neighbourhood Schemes was withdrawn.
1) According to LBB’s latest survey, 50% of vehicles EXCEED the 30mph speed-limit along Crofton Road. Given that cycling is now encouraged along this busy road, and pedestrian-crossing refuges removed, does the policyholder think this is acceptable? If not, what measures are planned to make cycling and walking safer along Crofton Road.
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?
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.
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.
In November 2023 Bromley Council installed new barriers at the underpass next to New Beckenham Station, pictured below.
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.
1) Items 14e and 14f [p261] of the agenda regarding South Eden Park Rd and roundabout safety scheme and Local Implementation Plan. While welcoming the proposals to mitigate accidents to road and pavement users at the roundabout, I’d like to know why there are no proposals to improve the safety of children and parents who cross South Eden Park road between Harvington Estate, and Unicorn School every day, without a safe crossing, or methods to slow traffic down. There are also concerns about the extremely narrow pavements along this road making pedestrians vulnerable to pollution and possible accidents. What is being done to make this a safe place for your residents to use?
Questions from the Public for Oral Response: 1) What are the financial savings and reductions in carbon emissions for the proposed installations of the solar panels at the council owned Spa and Pavilion centres and will the Council use its influence to ensure that Mytime signs off this project?
To Bromley Council leader Cllr Colin Smith and Portfolio Holder for Transport Cllr Nicholas Bennett,
Today sees the launch of the 2023 Healthy Streets Scorecard, the fifth annual release by the London Healthy Streets Coalition – a group of health, environment and transport campaigners. The media release associated with the scorecard mentions Bromley as one of the boroughs where further action is needed (1). London Borough of Bromley:
Is one of three London boroughs with less than 10% of appropriate streets covered by a 20mph speed limit
Is bottom of the table for parking controls, controlling parking on fewer than 10% of streets
Is named in the media release as having little or no priority for buses, in contrast to many boroughs with 40 to 50% of routes prioritised for buses (with bus lanes or similar)
The Bromley results conclude with the statement that “without serious ambition from the council, Bromley will continue to languish at the bottom end of the Scorecard” (2).
The Healthy Streets Scorecard shows to what extent London Boroughs are putting in place six key measures which will dramatically improve air quality and road safety, boost active lifestyles and reduce carbon emissions (3). Bromley Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport, Councillor Nicholas Bennett, has recently stated publicly that “Bromley does not recognise the value of most measures included in the Healthy Streets Scorecard” (4).
We are publishing this open letter to encourage a large, broad and diverse range of Bromley stakeholders to come together to collectively ask Cllrs Smith and Bennett two questions:
If Bromley residents establish an independent road safety forum as a broad, diverse, inclusive body to replace the Council’s Road Safety Panel which Cllr Bennett disbanded (5), will you engage with this body?
Why does Bromley Council not see value in many of the measures included in the Healthy Streets Scorecard?
To Bromley Council leader Cllr Colin Smith and Portfolio Holder for Transport Cllr Nicholas Bennett,
Today sees the launch of the 2023 Healthy Streets Scorecard, the fifth annual release by the London Healthy Streets Coalition – a group of health, environment and transport campaigners. The media release associated with the scorecard mentions Bromley as one of the boroughs where further action is needed (1). London Borough of Bromley
is one of three London boroughs with less than 10% of appropriate streets covered by a 20mph speed limit
is bottom of the table for parking controls, controlling parking on fewer than 10% of streets
is named in the media release as having little or no priority for buses, in contrast to many boroughs with 40 to 50% of routes prioritised for buses (with bus lanes or similar)
The Bromley results conclude with the statement that “without serious ambition from the council, Bromley will continue to languish at the bottom end of the Scorecard” (2).
The Healthy Streets Scorecard shows to what extent London Boroughs are putting in place six key measures which will dramatically improve air quality and road safety, boost active lifestyles and reduce carbon emissions (3). Bromley Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport, Councillor Nicholas Bennett, has recently stated publicly that “Bromley does not recognise the value of most measures included in the Healthy Streets Scorecard” (4).
We are publishing this open letter to encourage a large, broad and diverse range of Bromley stakeholders to come together to collectively ask Cllrs Smith and Bennett two questions:
If Bromley residents establish an independent road safety forum as a broad, diverse, inclusive body to replace the Council’s Road Safety Panel which Cllr Bennett disbanded (5), will you engage with this body?
Why does Bromley Council not see value in many of the measures included in the Healthy Streets Scorecard?
We would be grateful if Cllrs Smith and Bennett could please indicate their response to these questions in a public statement, circulated on social media channels.
We are asking these questions because we would like to work collaboratively with Bromley Council to improve Bromley’s streets for all road users. We see something collaborative like this forum as a space where new solutions could be discussed and support for planned improvements could be strengthened.
If you lead a community organisation, business, school, church or faith-based group and would like to add your organisation’s name to the letter, please email us at bromleygroup AT livingstreets.org.uk
If you would like to add your name to the letter as an individual, please click the link below to sign the letter via openletter.earth. We are using an external platform for individual signatures to ensure that GDPR privacy regulations are adhered to:
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