As part of the development of the Strategy we have investigated and analysed transport and related data to review how well existing mobility needs are met in Lambeth and how the transport network will cope in an expected future scenario taking growth in employment and housing into account. As well as helping to identify the need for improvements now, this work allows us to anticipate how the network will need to be improved to meet the needs of the future so that we can plan for this.
The Transport Strategy Future Baseline analysis is summarised as follows.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Excellent public transport accessibility in the north of Lambeth | Current and projected congestion on road, rail and tube networks |
| Extensive coverage of bus network across Lambeth | Lack of step free access to rail and tube network |
| Reliance on private cars is relatively low when compared to other London boroughs and motor traffic has declined | Air quality breaches safe limits in more than one area of the borough (across the borough) |
| Walking and cycling projected to increase | Rail network does not provide frequent, reliable services in the south of the borough where tube coverage is limited. |
| Lack of rail connections for trips within Lambeth and east west bus routes | |
| Lack of comprehensive cycle network |
| Opportunities | Threats |
|---|---|
| Rail devolution and ‘metroisation’ | Growing demand for public transport outstrips capacity |
| Significant investment in public realm planned at strategic locations | Growth reverses downward trend in traffic levels |
| Potential for sustainable freight operation | Reduced investment in the transport network due to financial pressures |
| Expanded ULEZ and EV charging network to improve air quality | No committed large-scale public transport improvements |
| High potential for cycling in Lambeth |
This analysis suggests that significant improvements to infrastructure and services as well as changes to the way all of us make travel choices will be needed to deliver a transport network that is fit for the future. It highlights the need to make the best use of the existing network with a radical overhaul of rail provision and by prioritising the most space efficient modes of transport and reducing motor traffic on our road network. We must also add to this analysis the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions in order to meet our climate change objectives and also the need for a renewed emphasis on reducing road danger and in particular the unacceptable risk to vulnerable road users on our highway network.