The Croydon Advisory Forum on Active, Sustainable and Accessible Transport met on Tuesday 30 September 2025 to discuss the borough's electric vehicle strategy, town centre regeneration plans, and proposals for new cycling routes. Key discussions included the proposal to explore a joint procurement process for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the presentation of detailed plans for highway improvements in the town centre.

Electric Vehicle Strategy and LEVI Procurement

The forum received an update on Croydon's developing Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy, which aims to support the transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric alternatives. The strategy is driven by national targets, including the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030, and Croydon's own commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Currently, around 350 public EV charging points are installed, but demand is projected to reach 4,500 by 2035. Challenges identified include a lack of a clear delivery programme, ad hoc management of charging points, and unequal access across the borough. The strategy will focus on leading by example with the council's own fleet, developing charging infrastructure, and optimising the use of kerbside space.

A significant part of the EV discussion revolved around the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund. It was proposed that Croydon would join a joint procurement process with Bexley, Bromley, and Havering councils, forming a consortium called 'Partnership 5'. This collaboration aims to leverage increased purchasing power and achieve economies of scale. The LEVI fund will primarily support the installation of low-powered, on-street charging points for residents without off-street parking, with a provisional allocation of £3.8 million in capital for the partnership, to be match-funded by operators. The procurement process is expected to conclude by the end of the 2025-26 financial year, with delivery commencing in 2026-27.

Concerns were raised about the potential for cables crossing pavements, posing trip hazards for visually impaired individuals and other pedestrians. Yusuf Osman, representing Blind and Visually Impaired Residents of Croydon, expressed deep concern, advocating for charging points to be integrated into the edge of kerbs or built within the pavement itself. The forum also discussed the need for rapid charging versus trickle charging, the equitable distribution of charging points across the borough, and the importance of future-proofing infrastructure for emerging technologies.

Update on Town Centre Regeneration

The forum received a comprehensive update on the town centre regeneration programme, which aligns with the Mayor of London's growth plan and Croydon's own town centre vision. The regeneration efforts are focused on five key areas within the town centre, aiming to create distinct characters and opportunities for each. The programme is supported by nearly £40 million in funding from various sources, including the Levelling Up Fund and local contributions.

Several priority projects were detailed, with a focus on highway-related schemes:

• Wellesley Road Crossing: Construction of an 8-metre-wide surface-level crossing has commenced, with the subway being infilled. The project includes relocating bus stops, making Lansdowne Road one-way eastbound, and improving landscaping. A site visit with Croydon Vision and an assessment by Transport for London (TfL) were undertaken to ensure accessibility for all users.
• Dingwall Road Improvements: This scheme is in the design stage and includes raised entry treatments at Lansdowne Road/Walpole Road to reduce traffic speeds, the removal of cycle wands and defenders, and the resurfacing of the cycleway. A motorcycle parking bay is also planned outside AMP House. The junction with Lansdowne Road will see the conversion of zebra crossings to parallel crossings, new paving, landscaping, seating, and lighting, aiming to create a more welcoming public space.
• George Street Improvements: This project focuses on reducing street clutter, repairing paving, and replacing a damaged central median fence to discourage unsafe crossing.
• Minster Green Public Realm: Improvements are planned for the Grade I listed Minster Church, including enhancing the forecourt, infilling the Roman Way subway, and upgrading pathways with architectural lighting.
• North End Improvements: The aim is to revitalise the heart of the town centre by improving public safety, legibility, and inclusivity. This includes installing hostile vehicle mitigation measures, improving paving and drainage, and enhancing landscaping and seating.

Discussions highlighted concerns regarding delivery access to shops, the proximity of cash machines for cash-in-transit deliveries, and the need for clear signage and enforcement of traffic regulations. The issue of cyclists and e-scooters on pavements and the need for better enforcement of highway rules by drivers were also raised.

Cycling Between Parks

The forum discussed proposals for extending Croydon's Green Grid network to enhance cycling connections between parks and green spaces across the borough. These proposals are underpinned by previous work on Croydon's Green Grid and the Connect2 project, which established a 3.5-kilometre route between Wandle Park and Lloyd Park.

Three new extensions are proposed:

• Wandle Park to Mitcham Common: This route would utilise existing paths along the tram system and potentially connect to routes on Waddon Marsh Way and Hesterman Way.
• Lloyd Park to Addington Park: This extension would link existing routes in Lloyd Park to a new crossing of Coombe Road, and then progress through various roads and bridleways towards Addington Park.
• Lloyd Park to South Norwood Country Park: This proposal aims to create connections through South Norwood Country Park and link to existing routes like the Waterlink Way.

The forum noted that these proposals are in their early stages and require further detailed exploration, engagement, and feasibility studies. Concerns were raised about the usability of certain tracks, the topography of the borough, and potential conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians, and horses in parks. The council's byelaw regarding cycling in parks was also discussed, with proposals to seek further privileges to allow cycling on designated routes. The need for budget allocation and community engagement was emphasised.

Actions from Previous Meetings

The forum reviewed actions from previous meetings. Progress was noted on several items, including the number of blue badges in London, the distribution of reports, and updates on Valley Park and Wellesley Road site visits. However, the action to reach out to the Safer Neighbourhoods team remained in progress, with ongoing efforts to establish contact and secure their attendance at future meetings. The issue of bus diversions due to roadworks and the need for better consideration of bus route implications when issuing licences was also discussed, with an agreement to take this forward.

Other Business

The forum discussed extending meeting times to two hours to allow for more in-depth discussion of agenda items. There was also a suggestion to encourage more in-person attendance and for organisations to attend meetings even if an item is not directly relevant to them, to foster a more collaborative approach. The importance of having input at the early stages of project development was highlighted.

The next suggested meeting date was Tuesday 9 December 2025.