The Croydon Advisory Forum on Active, Sustainable and Accessible Transport met to discuss the electric vehicle (EV) strategy, town centre regeneration, and cycling routes between parks. The forum agreed to look into issues raised, including the safety of blind and visually impaired people regarding EV charging infrastructure, bus routes impacted by roadworks, and dangerous cycling in pedestrian areas. They also agreed to extend future meetings to two hours.

Electric Vehicle Strategy

The forum discussed Croydon's electric vehicle (EV) strategy and the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) procurement, which aims to install EV charging points. The strategy is needed to deliver on strategic priorities related to transport and climate change, and to engage with the local community to meet their needs. Croydon currently has around 350 public EV charging points, but needs an estimated 4,500 by 2035.

Tom Sweeney, Programme Manager in the Strategic Transport Team at Croydon, presented the initial outcomes being considered in the strategy:

• Ways Croydon can lead the transition to zero emission vehicles
• Charging infrastructure
• Best use of the curbside¹

A key concern was the potential use of cross-pavement solutions for EV charging, with Yusuf Fosman, representing Blind and Visually Impaired Residents of Croydon and the Resident Voice Group, expressing deep concern about the possibility of cables creating trip hazards for blind and visually impaired people.

I was deeply concerned to hear the possibility of cross-pavement infrastructure for blind and visually impaired people and for other disabled people. So navigating the pavements are hard enough already without the possibility of cables that may or may not be slightly embedded into the pavement.

Yusuf Fosman, representing Blind and Visually Impaired Residents of Croydon and the Resident Voice Group

Other concerns raised included:

• The need to ensure equitable coverage across the borough
• Whether to prioritise rapid charging versus trickle charging
• The impact on existing parking arrangements
• The need to future-proof charging infrastructure

Rob Varney, Transport of London (TfL), mentioned that TfL is working on a programme to deliver ultra-rapid charging points and is keen to explore potential sites in Croydon as part of a partnership.

The forum agreed that the EV strategy needs to be adaptable and regularly updated due to the rapidly changing market.

Town Centre Regeneration

The forum received an update on the town centre regeneration programme, with a focus on highway-related schemes. Mark Bajian, Interim Director of Planning and Sustainable Regeneration, gave an overview of the strategic context, highlighting the Croydon growth plan, the town centre vision, and the various regeneration partners involved.

Danny Luu, the Design Manager for the Town Centre Regeneration Schemes, then detailed the following projects:

• Wellesley Road: Construction of a new surface-level crossing is underway and scheduled to be completed in December 2025.
• Dingwall Road: Concept designs include a raised entry treatment at Lansdowne Road/Walpole Road, removal of cycle wands and defenders, a motorcycle parking bay outside A&P House, and a cycle stage at the George Street junction. Works are expected to commence in November 2025.
• George Street: Plans include reducing street clutter, paving repairs, and replacing the damaged fence in the central median. Works are scheduled to begin in October 2025.
• Minster Green: The project aims to improve the public realm and accessibility at the Minster Church, with works expected to start in January 2026.
• North End: Plans focus on public realm improvements to revitalise the heart of the town centre, including hostile vehicle mitigation measures, pavement improvements, and landscaping.

Concerns were raised about deliveries to shops on Dingwall Road, cash machine deliveries on North End, and the impact of cycle lanes on taxi access to East Croydon station.

Agnieszka Harrison, representing Croydon Living Streets, raised concerns about speeding cyclists and e-scooters on North End and the need to change the culture and educate cyclists about the highway code. Catherine Early, from Croydon Cycling Campaign, highlighted the need for police to also enforce against dangerous driving.

Cycling Between Parks

Fred Raphael, Head of Strategic Transport, and Tom Sweeney presented initial ideas for enhancing cycling connections between parks in the borough, expanding on the existing Connect2 route. Three potential extensions were identified:

• Wandle Park to Mitcham Common
• Lloyd Park to Addington Park
• Lloyd Park to South Norwood Country Park

The proposals involve utilising existing routes along the tram system, bridleways, and quieter roads.

Concerns were raised about the steepness of some routes, potential conflicts with pedestrians, and the need to engage with local community groups. The forum discussed the importance of considering electric bikes and active travel for all users, including those with mobility issues.

Actions from Previous Meetings

Fred Raphael provided an update on actions from previous meetings, including:

• The number of blue badges in London (297,000) and England (2,837,000) as of 31 March 2024.
• Confirmation that all reports and presentations will be sent to members following the meeting.
• Ongoing efforts to reach out to the Safer Neighbourhoods team, with a request for Councillor Scott Roche, Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, to help facilitate contact.
• Installation of barriers at Valley Park to address antisocial driving.
• A site visit to Wellesley Road with Councillor Rhea Patel.
• A response regarding cyclist safety around World's End library.
• Consideration of extending meeting times.
• Progress on Auckland Road pedestrian severance, with a site visit and proposal for funding.
• Investigation and feedback on pedestrian and cyclist complaints, with a proposal for a working group to address issues in the town centre.

Other Business

The forum agreed to include pavement parking, the parking strategy and 20mph speed limits on the agenda for the next meeting. They also discussed the need to extend meeting times to two hours and to encourage more in-person attendance.