Climate Safe Streets
Westminster City Council has taken our Climate Safe Streets pledge
In the run-up to the local elections in May 2022, we asked all the main party leaders if they would take our Climate Safe Streets pledge. Cllr Adam Hug, leader of the Westminster Labour party, was the first leader to do so, committing to our five ‘asks’ if he became council leader. Westminster Labour then went on to win control of Westminster City Council in the elections.
We look forward to supporting the council as a ‘critical friend’ and holding them to account as they fulfil our five asks for Climate Safe Streets. This is a critical electoral cycle, taking us up to 2026 – just four years before London’s target to become net zero. Westminster City Council must act boldly on road transport, or fail to meet that crucial target. They must urgently reduce motor traffic in Westminster and make our streets safe and inviting for walking, cycling and wheeling for all ages and abilities.
Five asks for a Climate Safe Westminster
In Westminster, 11% of all emissions in the city come from road transport. And road transport also accounts for a significant proportion of air pollution, making Westminster the most polluted borough in the whole of the UK. The fact is, our hostile streets don't invite clean, active travel – year after year, of all the London boroughs, Westminster has the highest numbers of people killed or seriously injured by motor vehicles while walking or cycling.
We think a better future is possible. Our five asks would make it easier and safer to walk and cycle around Westminster by 2026. Streets would be cleaner and greener, with easy access to low-carbon transport options like e-bikes and shared electric cars. Read more detail below:
1. A much bigger, high quality cycle network that is safe and inclusive for all.
2. ‘Green man’ pedestrian crossings at all busy junctions.
4. Many more trees, parklets, and cycle parking spaces for all.
5. Shared cycle hubs and electric car clubs within an easy distance of all residents.
This campaign is a partnership between Westminster Cycling Campaign, Westminster Healthy Streets and London Living Streets