Southwark Council is proposing changes to Dulwich Village that will make it much better for walking and cycling. They are asking for feedback through a consultation process.

This scheme follows the basic principles of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). Sometimes they’re called Healthy Streets or Liveable Neighbourhoods, but their aims are the same, to remove through traffic and make neighbourhoods for people rather than for motor traffic.

Want to take action?

There are a few very simple things you can do to support these scheme:

  1. Fill out the consultation! It only takes 5 minutes, and if you’re short on time just answer the multiple choice options. We have created a guide below to help you. The deadline is March 29th.
  2. If you live nearby, talk to people in the community about the consultation. We have some key points below.
  3. Attend one of the workshops in the area. Dates are listed below.
  4. Show your support on social media and don’t forget to tag us on Twitter @southwarkcycle.

Consultation Guide

Keep these key points in mind when filling out the consultation:

  • Strongly agree with the proposals. Support permeable road closures and parking controls. This scheme is a strong step in the right direction and will greatly improve active travel in the area.
  • Ask for more filtering. We don’t think the scheme will remove all ratrunning so ask to add filters on Woodwarde Rd and Dovercourt Rd.
  • Some of the filtering is weak, blocking only one way traffic or only part of the day. Suggest permeable closures in the comments where the option isn’t given. College Rd should have a bus gate in both directions.
    This will mean kids can play out, the elderly and vulnerable won’t face speeding aggressive traffic, and this will maximise shift from cars to walking and cycling.

If you’re curious to learn more, check out our detailed responses to each question.

Talk to your neighbours

Talk to neighbours and local businesses about the changes. Explain the benefits it will bring to the area.

  • Air pollution and congestion will be reduced – In fact there will be an overall reduction in traffic in the immediate and surrounding areas. This is called traffic evaporation and as counter intuitive as it might be, has been shown to happen in nearly all situations where road capacity is reduced. With less cars on the road this will reduce carbon emissions on the road, too!
  • Local businesses will benefit – Quieter safer streets increase the number of people walking and cycling, which has been proven to have positive economic impacts.

London Living Streets has more information about LTNs. If you have any questions about the impacts of this scheme, email us at Southwark@lcc.org.uk.

Workshop dates

Southwark Council is running a few workshops for residents. Come to one of these and show your support.

  • 8 Feb 2020 at 09:00 – Alleyn’s School
  • 29 Feb 2020 at 09:00 – Herne Hill Baptist Church
  • 4 Mar 2020 at 18:30 – JAGS