The agency has recently unveiled several schemes which include either pedestrianised sections or significantly widened pavements as part of efforts to encourage more Londoners and visitors to walk around the capital and to reduce car use.
This includes plans published this week for a major transformation of Waterloo which includes wider pavements and dedicated cycle lanes to help make it easier and more pleasant to enjoy nearby cultural hotspots such as the IMAX cinema and Southbank.
TfL is also working with councils on a number of other schemes, such as Wandsworth Town Centre, to create cycle and pedestrian friendly local shopping destinations.
However recent terrorist incidents in Westminster and London Bridge, in which passersby were attacked by vehicles mounting the pavement, have forced a rethink.
Following the London Bridge attack, the Metropolitan Police installed temporary barriers at a number of bridges and other key locations to minimise the potential for further attacks.
However these temporary measures have generated complaints from some road users, including cyclists who found themselves with less space as the barriers encroached on cycle routes.
City Hall has now confirmed that work is underway identity the best way to include permanent barriers in the design of new road and pavement layouts.
It’s thought that designers are likely to prefer solutions which avoid fencing or railings and which support efforts to boost each location’s attractiveness.
TfL is expected to revisit the designs of existing schemes as well as those currently being drawn up, and it’s understood that changes to the Waterloo scheme will be considered alongside the results of a public consultation on the initial proposals.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said he would be working “with the Met, local councils and others to deliver short-term improvements, as well as a longer-term solution that will maintain the security of all road users.”
