MCC response to LBM Draft Climate Change Strategy

General

The draft strategy does not contain enough SMART targets - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timed. Our response therefore makes a number of suggestions to introduce such an approach. Our response draws on our current mayoral manifesto, agreed at LCC level, and published here.

Chapter 4, Planning and Development

Add the following action points:

• Ensure secure high-standard cycle parking is available at every workplace, school, station, all entertainment and leisure facilities and shopping areas, as well as in all new homes.
• Make planning permission necessary to pave over front gardens for car parking

Chapter 6, Transport

Change aim T1 to Increase journeys made by sustainable transport to 60%

Add the following action points:

• Make 20mph the standard speed limit on Merton's streets to reduce road danger and encourage cycling and walking.
• Deliver free on-road cycle training for Merton's children, subsidised training for adults and compulsory training for highway engineers and transport planners.
• Return one-way systems and streets to two-way operation and create advantages for cycling and walking, thus maximising route choice and minimising diversion.
• Ensure the completion of the London Cycle Network Plus (LCN+) to a high standard with effective removal of all barriers
• Adopt ambitious targets to encourage walking and cycling to all major events in the borough, eg tennis, culminating in the first 'active spectator' Olympics in 2012.
• Work with TfL to create a Paris-style mass cycle hire scheme in the borough in time for Wimbledon Olympic tennis venue 2012.
• Work with police on a major campaign of action against cycle theft including a minimum 5% theft reduction target
• Work with police to enforce the law regarding vehicle engines left idling for long periods, eg at level crossings

Action T9: bio-diesel will bring its own problems, and the commitment to continue to explore possibilities is too woolly and non-committal. We therefore suggest broader but firmer commitment: increase the proportion of council vehicles running on alternatives to fossil fuels to x% where "x" should represent both a significant step forwards from the present proportion AND significant proportion (at least half) of the total council vehicle fleet.

Under What you can do, add:

• Turn off your car engine when you are likely to be stationary for more than 30 seconds