Policy 2.8 Outer London: Transport

Strategic

A The Mayor will, and boroughs and other stakeholders should, recognise and address the distinct orbital, radial and qualitative transport needs of outer London in the context of those of the city region as a whole by:

a enhancing accessibility by improving links to and between town centres and other key locations by different modes and promoting and realising the improvements to the rail network set out in Policy 6.4 and the Mayor’s Transport Strategy

b integrating land use and transport planning in outer London to ensure the use of vacant and under-used land is optimised

c ensuring that the rail, bus and other transport networks function better as integrated systems and better cater for both orbital and radial trips, for example through the provision of strategic interchanges

d improving the quality, lighting and security of stations to agreed quality standards

e supporting park and ride schemes where appropriate

f working to improve public transport access to job opportunities in the Outer Metropolitan Area, supporting reverse commuting, and enhancing the key role played by efficient bus services in outer London

g encouraging greater use of cycling and walking as modes of choice in outer London

h more active traffic management, including demand management measures; road improvements to address local congestion; car parking policy and guidance which reflects greater dependence on the private car; closer co-ordination of transport policy and investment with neighbouring authorities beyond London; and greater recognition of the relationship between office development and car use

i maximising the development opportunities supported by Crossrail.

2.36 Ensuring adequate transport capacity and infrastructure (see Chapter 6) will be particularly important in planning effectively and sustainably for growth in outer London. The particular issues arising there – lower development densities and the implications of this for the viability of public transport services and the likely continued importance of the private car should be recognised. There will be particular difficulties addressing this issue against the likely background of very constrained resources. There will be transport investment focussed on strategic development priorities in outer London, but this will be dependent upon a strong business case showing how it will support growth and the objectives set out in this Plan. A flexible approach should therefore be taken to implementation of parking standards (see Policy 6.13 and Table 6.2) to enhance outer London’s attractiveness as an office location, and where appropriate, to help secure the vitality and viability of its town centres. In neighbourhoods with low public transport accessibility (PTAL 0-1), residential parking standards should be applied flexibly. Further guidance is provided in the Town Centres and Housing SPGs.

2.37 The Outer London Commission considered the case for a self-contained, high-speed orbital public transport system linking particular centres. It concluded that this would be unlikely to address outer London’s needs. Instead, it recommended a ‘hub and spoke’ approach, with transport networks focussing on town centres and forming a mesh-like network connecting the wider area. It considered this would better meet the likely spatial pattern of development and business locations likely in the area. The Mayor agrees with this approach, which is adopted in this Plan.