Thousands have their say on Tower Hamlets transport strategy

More than 2,000 people respond to survey on travel habits

Business survey launched to support sustainable economic growth in the borough

More than 2,000 people have had their say on travel in Tower Hamlets as the borough bids to increase the number of trips made on foot, by bicycle and on public transport.

The council’s draft transport strategy aims to support residents and visitors to travel more sustainably in Tower Hamlets and by doing so, help improve air quality, road safety and public health.

The borough has the most traffic in the country with a third of all trips shorter than 1.2 miles. Feedback on the council’s survey will influence transport policy until 2041.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets said: “We’ve received lots of feedback from residents online, over the phone and at our consultation events. They have raised a number of issues they face on their journeys and we’re keen to hear from businesses about their experiences too.

“We’ll be working with Transport for London to improve the experience of walking and cycling in the borough while helping motorists find viable alternatives for shorter trips.”

The council joined forces with Transport for London to talk to commuters at events in Canary Wharf and Whitechapel last month.

The transport strategy team will also be at Shadwell Overground Station on Thursday 4 September and at Tesco in Bromley-by-Bow on Monday 9 September. Both events will last from 3pm until 7pm.

David Edgar, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “It’s great that so many residents have taken part in the consultation. We’re also keen to speak to businesses as they will play an important role in changing the way we all move around the borough.

“Flexible working, smarter delivery patterns and more sustainable vehicles are all possible solutions to some of the challenges we all face.

“As the fastest growing borough, we want to work with businesses to support economic growth and jobs, but it’s important that we do so in a way that protects the local environment and residents’ wellbeing.”