SE5 Forum objects to TfL’s proposed bus changes • Have your say on transport in Lambeth

SE5 Forum objects to TfL’s proposed bus changes

SE5 Forum’s transport working group has worked with local consultant Jane Bevis to create a strong, well-researched objection to TfL’s proposed bus routes changes. We, and many others, believe the changes in services will have a hugely negative effect on Camberwell’s transport links.

Our response was submitted to TfL’s consultation earlier this month.
You can read it here: TfL Bus Consultation (SE5 Forum)

Just some points in our response:
• As a result of the proposed changes Camberwell will have lost 3 direct cross-Thames connections, 171 between Elephant & Castle and Holborn; 45 between Elephant & Castle and King’s Cross; and 40 between Elephant & Castle and Aldgate.
Bus travel times to central London will be lengthened further by the removal of direct cross-Thames bus services and the need for interchange.
• Vulnerable and disabled people, wheelchair users, carers with pushchairs and the elderly are expected to disembark at Elephant & Castle where the 171 and 45 will terminate and the 40 will be re-routed.  TfL estimate this will affect 7,300 journeys per day.  This busy hub has few facilities (no toilets, few seats and limited bus shelters), is dangerously exposed to the cycle lane on the northbound side, and is already over-crowded as one of the most popular hopper fare interchanges.  8
• Repeated failures over 80 years to invest in Tube, rail and tram services connecting Camberwell with central London, means most residents are reliant on bus services.
• Overcrowding at Denmark Hill.
• No reopening of Camberwell train station.
• TfL is failing in its Public Sector Equality Duty in the way it has assessed its proposals and their impact on Camberwell residents.
• SE5 Forum objects in the strongest terms to TfL’s proposals to reduce and re-route direct cross-Thames bus services from Camberwell. They are based on flawed data and fail to recognise the significant socio-economic and equalities issues affecting Camberwell and its residents.

SE5 Forum has written to Southwark and Lambeth councillors and MPS, urging them to mobilise a campaign against these proposals by TfL; some already are. Some SE5 Forum members also lobbied Southwark Council and TfL at the Camberwell Community Council meeting last week. As a result, TfL is now willing to meet with us to discuss these bus route changes, and Peter John, leader of Southwark Council will meet to discuss how to move forward with the reopening of Camberwell train station.

Have your say on transport in Lambeth

Lambeth Council has launched its transport strategy and is asking the public to respond. As well as an online consultation, there will be a public event on the strategic direction of transport planning in the London Borough of Lambeth for the next 20 years. Borough transport policy officers will present their plans, and there will be opportunities for questions and discussion.

Time and location: Tuesday 27 November 2018, 17:00-19:30 (drop-in session)
Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RW

The event will focus on the content of the following two documents, which are currently in draft form:

Transport Strategy (see document)
The Transport Strategy is a document outlining the strategic direction of transport planning in Lambeth for the next 20 years. At the heart of the Strategy is the aim to ensure that the transport system is accessible to all, allows us to lead healthier lives, tackles inequality and cleans up our air.

Local Implementation Plan (see document)
The Local Implementation Plan (LIP) complements the Transport Strategy, providing additional detail. It provides a background to the borough including challenges and opportunities. It also contains a three-year programme of investment alongside local targets and indicators to enable the plan to be monitored.

To register, please visit the Eventbrite page here.
Eventbrite tickets are not mandatory, however entry will be prioritised to those with tickets in case the event is over-subscribed. Tickets also enable us to estimate the number of attendees so that we can book appropriate facilities.

Commenting online
If you are unable to attend, or if you wish to submit your comments online, you can complete the Transport Strategy Survey on Lambeth Council’s consultation page. Deadline: Monday 17 December.

Lift at Loughborough Junction train station

SE5 Forum has lent its support to Loughborough Junction Action Group’s funding application for a lift at Loughborough Junction train station to create equal access for everyone. The local community has long been concerned that Loughborough Junction is not accessible to people with disabilities and with buggies. The lift is needed on equalities grounds to enable access by the local community, particularly the elderly, disabled and parents with buggies as well as visitors to Kings College hospital.