Your January 2022 report, London Net Zero 2030: An Updated Pathway, outlines the need for bolder action to reduce traffic by 27 per cent and thus reduce transport emissions by 2030. What changes are you implementing to reflect this in responses to local plans and planning applications by you and Transport for London (TfL) in order to highlight your pathway to 2030 and other national climate targets through your spatial planning powers?

The London Plan sets out ambitious transport policies including strict car parking standards, with car-free being the starting point in many places. The Plan encourages walking and cycling, including through the creation of Healthy Streets and cycle parking requirements. The Plan also seeks to focus growth in well-connected places, such as town centres and opportunity areas, which in turn will encourage active travel. My new draft Sustainable Transport, Walking and Cycling London Plan Guidance (LPG) sets out detailed requirements for Local Plans and applications, including making provision for cycling and walking routes in boroughs’ Local Plans.

The London Plan will not be updated in my second term, but my officers are already looking at incorporating my target as part of the Planning for London programme. In the meanwhile, my officers will consider my 2030 target when they respond to London boroughs’ local plans and highlight London Plan policies and the LPG with boroughs and applicants.

While the planning system has an important role to play, other measures such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone are crucial in reducing carbon emissions. It is also vital that Government provide a long-term funding settlement for TfL, to support Good Growth and ensure London contributes to achieving national climate targets.