The Environment Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, to discuss a range of transport-related issues, road safety data, and the council's ongoing work programme. Key topics include scrutiny of Transport for London's services, the temporary closure of Albert Bridge, and an analysis of 2024 road collision data.

Transport for London - Transport Policy

The committee is set to scrutinise the functions and services provided within the borough by Transport for London (TfL). This includes an examination of London's public bus network, Underground and Overground services, taxi and private hire vehicle regulation, and the TfL Road Network, often referred to as Red Routes. Discussions are expected to cover details of any changes to bus routes over the past 12 months, with specific updates on bus routes 211 and 52.

The committee will also review plans for making South Kensington Underground station step-free, and the feasibility of similar upgrades at Ladbroke Grove, Latimer Road, and Notting Hill Gate stations. The potential regulation of dockless rental e-bikes, following the anticipated enactment of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, will also be on the agenda. Further discussions are scheduled regarding track noise from the Central Line at Notting Hill Gate and the performance of the Underground, including updates on new trains for the Piccadilly line and temporary station closures, such as at Holland Park.

Additionally, the committee will consider TfL's plans to reduce road danger at several key junctions, including West Cromwell Road/Warwick Road and Chelsea Embankment/Battersea Bridge Road. Speed management on Red Routes within Kensington and Chelsea and progress on the Holland Park roundabout cycleway scheme are also listed for discussion. Finally, the committee will look at future public transport demand in Earl's Court, particularly in relation to new developments.

Temporary Closure of Albert Bridge to Traffic

A report will be presented to the committee detailing the circumstances that led to the emergency temporary closure of Albert Bridge to motor vehicles on 7 February 2026. The report will outline the progress being made to reopen the bridge and the measures that have been put in place to mitigate the disruption caused by its closure. The bridge, known historically as The Trembling Lady, experienced damage to a cast-iron component supporting a structural joint, identified during a routine inspection. Specialist consultants have advised that the bridge should not reopen to motor traffic until the defect is repaired. Engineers are developing two options for a permanent repair, one retaining the original 1873 design and another involving an engineering upgrade. Efforts are also underway to identify a viable temporary repair solution. The report will also detail measures to reduce the detrimental effect of the closure on the public, including keeping the bridge open to pedestrians and cyclists, installing monitoring equipment, rephasing planned roadworks, and collaborating with Transport for London and Wandsworth Council to manage traffic disruption.

2024 Road Collision and Casualty Data

The committee will review the 2024 road casualty data for Kensington and Chelsea. The report summarises key trends, progress against casualty reduction targets, and identifies locations with the highest casualty numbers. In 2024, there was one fatality, a decrease from three in 2023. However, killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties increased by six per cent compared to the previous year, reaching 132. Total road casualties decreased by ten per cent to 612. The report highlights that 73 per cent of 2024 KSIs occurred on roads managed by Kensington and Chelsea, with the remaining 27 per cent on the Transport for London Route Network (TLRN). The report notes a concerning increase in cyclist KSIs, which have risen by 59 per cent since 2019. It also discusses the challenges in identifying causal factors for the worsening KSI collision record compared to neighbouring boroughs and the disproportionate involvement of non-resident drivers in collisions. The committee will consider the findings of a draft road safety study and discuss potential engineering interventions and targeted enforcement as part of a future Road Safety Strategy.

Select Committee Work Programme 2025/2026

This report provides an update on the Environment Select Committee's work programme for the municipal year 2025/2026. It outlines the committee's remit to scrutinise council services, departmental policy, and to amplify residents' voices. The report details items already discussed or scheduled for the current municipal year, including the Transport for London update, the Road Safety Annual Review, and the Albert Bridge update. It also highlights items suggested for future meetings in the new municipal year, such as reviews of the Markets Plan, noise and nuisance performance, and licensing enforcement. The committee will have the opportunity to discuss and propose further items based on strategic priorities and its service-based remit.