Brent leaders step up calls for transport investment in Transport for London Commissioner meeting

Brent Council used a visit from London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner to spotlight local walking and cycling improvements, and to press the case for further investment in the local transport network.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, joined Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement for a tour of the borough to shine a spotlight on local improvements already underway – from School Streets to cycle routes.

Residents rely on public transport to get around, and with thousands more homes planned and under construction, demand is only set to increase. Brent is home to 21 underground stations, the second most in London and the council welcomed the opportunity to discuss how Brent and TfL can work together to improve services with the Commissioner.

Councillor Krupa Sheth said: “Alongside Transport for London, we’ve been working to make it easier and safer to walk and cycle around Brent. It was great to discuss the progress we’ve made together and future opportunities. That includes the enthusiasm for more School Streets locally, if we can secure further funding, as well as the need bold investment in our public transport infrastructure.

“Brent is one of the capital’s biggest housebuilders, and schemes like the West London Orbital and Bakerloo line upgrade and extension would support that growth, as well as making a real difference to the economic opportunities our residents have access to. We’re keen to work with Transport for London and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to keep these proposals moving forward.”

Brent has already committed over £465,000 to keep momentum behind the West London Orbital – a brand-new overground line which would link communities across west London. Described as a ‘shovel- ready scheme’ utilising an existing freight-line, with 69% support from residents, the plans could support the delivery of 15,800 new homes and 23,000 new jobs and unleashing growth in our area.

The Council has also joined 32 London councils to call for the Bakerloo line upgrade and extension to be approved and fast tracked. If completed, the proposal is expected to boost the national economy by £1.5bn and support 150,000 jobs.

The tour began on Kilburn High Road, where Brent is working with Camden and Westminster Council to deliver the ‘Better, Safer Kilburn’ scheme to tackle congestion and improve safety, before moving to Kensal Rise and Kempe Road, home to one of the borough’s 33 successful School Streets.

At Harlesden station, discussions centred on the WLO, while a stop at Stonebridge Park highlighted Cycle Future Route 23, which will connect Wembley Central to Harlesden with safer walking and cycling infrastructure.