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Policy 6.10 Walking
Policy
Strategic
A The Mayor will work with all relevant partners to bring about a significant increase in walking in London, by emphasizing the quality of the pedestrian and street environment, including the use of shared space principles, – promoting simplified streetscape, decluttering and access for all.
Planning decisions
B Development proposals should ensure high quality pedestrian environments and emphasise the quality of the pedestrian and street space by referring to Transport for London’s Pedestrian Design Guidance.
LDF preparation
C DPDs should:
a maintain and promote the relevant sections of the Walk London Network shown on Map 6.3, as well as borough routes
b identify and implement accessible, safe and convenient direct routes to town centres, transport nodes and other key uses
c promote the ‘Legible London’ programme to improve pedestrian wayfinding
d provide for the undertaking of audits to ensure that the existing pedestrian infrastructure is suitable for its proposed use and that new development improves pedestrian amenity
e encourage a higher quality pedestrian and street environment, including the use of shared space principles, such as simplified streetscape, decluttering, and access for all.
Supporting text
Map 6.3 Walk London Network
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6.37 The Mayor is also committed to a substantial increase in walking in London. To this end, the quality and safety of London’s pedestrian environment should be improved to make the experience of walking more pleasant and an increasingly viable alternative to the private car (see also policies on inclusive environments (7.2) and the public realm (7.5). By providing safe and attractive routes that are easy to navigate, people will be encouraged to walk more, which will have safety, economic and health benefits for them and also help tackle climate change and support the viability of town centres. ‘Legible London’[1] is a pedestrian wayfinding system, developed by Transport for London (TfL), to support walking journeys around the capital. By providing clear, comprehensive and consistent information the system gives pedestrians the confidence to attempt more journeys on foot. The system uses map-based information, presented in a range of formats including on-street signs. The signs have been designed to enhance the urban realm and sit comfortably in a range of London settings. To support pleasant and enjoyable walking conditions, the Mayor is keen to promote street trees, and proposals for public realm improvements should include additional planting, while avoiding removing trees to further decluttering.
6.38 Planning briefs and masterplans should include principles to encourage a high quality, connected pedestrian environment. Walking issues should be addressed in development proposals, to ensure that walking is promoted and that street conditions, especially safety/security and accessibility for disabled people, are enhanced. Walking networks and facilities in and around all new developments should be direct, safe, attractive, accessible and enjoyable. Guidance on accessible walking environments is provided in the Accessible London SPG[2].
[1] www.tfl.gov.uk/microsites/legible-london
[2] Mayor of London. Accessible London. Supplementary Planning Guidance. GLA, 2014
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