Decision details

The cabinet member for growth, development and planning, Councillor Johnson Situ, and the cabinet member for environment, transport and the climate emergency, Councillor Richard Livingstone, presented the motion on the themed debate.

Councillor Damian O'Brien, the majority opposition group spokesperson, responded to the cabinet member's motion and proposed Amendment A.

Following debate, the cabinet member for growth, development and planning, Councillor Johnson Situ, responded to the debate.

Amendment A was put to the vote and declared to be Lost.

The motion was put to the vote and declared to be Carried.

RESOLVED:

Note: This motion will be referred as a recommendation to the cabinet for consideration.

Delivering the transport infrastructure for Southwark’s future

1.  Council assembly notes:

a.  The Southwark Labour manifesto and council plan commitment to creating a fairer future for Southwark, where every resident has the chance to thrive, and make the most of the opportunities being created in the borough.

b.  That we want a borough where growth works for all, with high quality employment, healthcare, schools, park and libraries for residents. 

c.  That in order for our residents to be able to access these opportunities being created in Southwark, there needs to be an accessible, sustainable transport network, right across the whole borough. 

d.  That the Southwark Labour manifesto committed to delivering the transport infrastructure needed for Southwark’s future by pledging to:

i)  Campaign to re-open Camberwell train station

ii)  Make cycling accessible for all, increase cycle hangers where people want them, boost access to cycle hire and double the proportion of journeys in Southwark done by bike

iii)  Campaign for three new tube stations on the Old Kent Road, including one at the Bricklayers Arms

iv)  Work with the Mayor of London to build a new pedestrian and cycling bridge from Canada Water to Canary Wharf

v)  Develop a green walking network

vi)  Adapt lamp posts to charge electric cars so that every home is within waking distance of a charging point

vii)  Campaign to reinstate the frequency of the RV1 bus service.

e.  The progress made against these commitments, including: 

i)  Making cycling safer and easier by delivering 7.8 kilometres of cycle ways, and providing bikeability training to 3,484 children and 1,359 adults

ii)  Creating the ‘Back the Bakerloo’ campaign, in partnership with Lewisham Council, to which nearly 17,500 local residents and businesses have pledged their support

iii)  Improving accessibility at Peckham Rye station, as, thanks to the council’s lobbying, the government has committed funds to installing a lift in the station

iv)  Adapting 81 lamp posts into electric charging points, with many more in the pipeline, enabling residents to move away from greenhouse gas emitting petrol or diesel cars

v)  Working with Network Rail to redevelop London Bridge station, making it a station fit for the future and accessible to all.

2.  Council assembly further notes:

a.  That at the March 2019 council assembly, council assembly declared a climate emergency.

b.  That for the council to play its part in addressing the recently announced climate emergency, it will need to continue to promote the shift from driving to walking, cycling and public transport.

c.  That in April cabinet agreed the Movement Plan, committing the council to transport polices that promote walking and cycling, improve air quality and safety, and reduce carbon.

d.  That wherever possible, the council has worked closely with Transport for London (TfL) to enable them to deliver schemes that benefit the borough.

e.  That thanks to Conservative austerity, TfL’s budget has been dramatically reduced by £700m a year.

f.  That despite the council’s close partnership working with TfL, they have made a number of disappointing decisions, such as the withdrawal of the RV1 bus service, the decision not to include a third station at Bricklayers Arms in their proposals for the Bakerloo line extension, and the recent decision to halt work on the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf pedestrian bridge, despite widespread community and cross-party support for each of these.

g.  That TfL’s decisions make it harder for the council to promote walking, cycling and public transport, improve air quality, and tackle the climate emergency.

h.  That although TfL’s decisions are understandably based on their reduced budget, council assembly remains disappointed that they have not done more to work with the council to deliver the transport infrastructure needed for Southwark’s future.

3.  Council assembly resolves to call on cabinet to:

a.  Campaign for better transport links in Southwark’s transport ‘not spots’, where residents are not within a short walk of a train, overground or tube station (see map).

b.   Campaign for better accessibility to Southwark’s transport, including:

i)  Calling on the government to continue the work that will be done at Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye stations and ensure lifts and step free access in all stations in the borough

ii)  Support the improvement of the Canada Water station interchange

iii)  Calling on TfL to ensure accessible, step free access along bus routes and reinstate the RV1 bus

iv)  Call on TfL to ensure adequate support available at underground and overground stations for those who need it by keeping ticket offices open.

c.  Continue to work to ensure that transport in the borough is sustainable, including promoting active travel, in particular, walking and cycling, and continue to work with TfL to deliver the extension of the Santander Cycle scheme in Southwark.

d.  Continue to lobby TfL to rethink their decision to pause work on the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf bridge.

e.  Review planning policy in the light of the climate emergency to ensure the planning process promotes sustainable, environmentally friendly transport options for the borough.