Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, met with Barking and Dagenham Council and Be First to discuss the key transport issues facing the borough, highlighting progress so far and emphasising key investment and development priorities for the years ahead.
Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, said: “With our ambitious growth plans, Barking and Dagenham Council is committed to improving transport links for our residents of today and future-proofing infrastructure for planned development.
Investment from Transport for London is essential to the development and delivery of a well-connected transport network that is accessible and meets the needs of our residents today and in the future. With the highest proportion of under 16s in England and Wales, we are committed to providing safer spaces for walking and cycling and training to build confidence for anyone choosing to cycle.”
Investment and development priorities highlighted:
- Managing the upcoming closure of the Lodge Avenue flyover for essential upgrade works and to reduce the impact on residents and users from resulting diversions.
- Increasing the number of safer walking and cycling routes and continuing the popular School Streets programme.
- Empowering residents to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for local journeys through cycle training, secure cycle parking, walk to school initiatives and trying new things such as dockless bikes.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner said: “It was great to meet with the council and Be First today, to hear about the work delivered so far and discuss how we can work together to deliver the safe and healthy streets that best serve the local community.”
Tim Thomas, Head of Infrastructure, Transport Planning, Policy and Insight, Be First, said: “In 2024 Barking and Dagenham Council and TfL invested £4.9 million in the transport network including measures to improve road safety, expand the cycle network and reduce bus journey times.
TfL is investing more than £87 million across the 32 London Boroughs and the City of London in 2025, of which, £4.9 million has once again been awarded to Barking and Dagenham. This funding commitment underscores our strong track record for delivery whilst recognising the need for continued investment.”
Barking and Dagenham Council and Be First are committed to a close working relationship with Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA). Securing future investment is critical to meet both Vision Zero (no deaths or serious injury on roads by 2041) and fairer transport access for all commitments to make it easier, safer and more attractive for everyone travelling in the borough.
