The Streets and Walkways Sub (Planning and Transportation) Committee met on 16 September 2025, to discuss a range of projects, including cycleway improvements, pedestrian priority schemes, highway maintenance, and public realm enhancements. Key decisions included approving a budget increase for the Smithfield Area Public Realm project, moving forward with pedestrian priority schemes on Threadneedle Street and Old Broad Street, and agreeing to defer the Aldgate to Blackfriars cycleway project. The committee also addressed advertising board policies and allocated funds for updating Legible London signage.

Here's a more detailed look at the key topics discussed:

Aldgate to Blackfriars Cycleway

The committee discussed the Aldgate to Blackfriars Cycleway project, a key component of the City's Transport Strategy¹ aimed at creating a safe, attractive, and accessible cycling route. The main point of contention was the inclusion of bus stop bypasses, essential for continuous protected cycle lanes but potentially problematic for visually impaired pedestrians.

The committee considered five options, ranging from proceeding as proposed to cancelling the project. Ultimately, the decision was made to defer the project until updated guidance on bus stop bypasses is published, expected in early 2026. This decision was made to ensure the scheme aligns with updated guidance, addresses equalities issues, and maintains public and institutional confidence.

Deputy John Edwards, Deputy Marianne Fredericks and other members discussed the implications of bus stop bypasses following a Members' briefing held in June 2025, where representatives from various organisations, including the London Cycling Campaign² (LCC), Living Streets, the National Federation of the Blind UK (NFBUK), the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), and Wheels for Wellbeing (WfW), shared their perspectives.

The public consultation on the cycleway scheme revealed that 79% of participants expressed a positive view, while 18% expressed a negative view. An accessibility review, including focus groups with disabled people, highlighted concerns about bus stop bypasses and the need for accessible wayfinding.

Pedestrian Priority Streets Programme

Threadneedle Street and Old Broad Street

The committee approved the final highway and public realm design for the Threadneedle Street and Old Broad Street scheme, along with a budget of £8,217,969 to implement the scheme and complete all work on the rest of the programme. The project aims to enhance comfort, safety and accessibility for people walking and wheeling.

The scheme includes:

• Road space reallocation to accommodate a continuous 2-metre-wide eastbound advisory cycle lane on Threadneedle Street.
• Pavement widening on Threadneedle Street.
• A raised carriageway at the junction of Old Broad Street and Finch Lane.
• A southbound mandatory cycle lane on Old Broad Street.

An independent Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) was undertaken, and the Healthy Streets design check scores showed improvements for both streets.

Old Jewry

The committee considered the future of the experimental traffic order on Old Jewry. The experiment reopened the street to all traffic in a southbound direction, with two-way movement retained for cyclists.

After reviewing the results of the traffic experiment, the statutory consultation, and the Equalities Impact Assessment, the committee approved Option 3, which involves ending the traffic experiment and reverting to the previous arrangement with Old Jewry closed to through traffic. The committee also agreed to resume work on a public realm improvement between Frederick's Place and Poultry, including improving accessibility for people walking and wheeling.

Highway Maintenance for the Square Mile

The committee received a report on Highway Maintenance for the Square Mile and approved the submission of further information to the Secretary of State, enabling the receipt of £70,000 for additional highway maintenance works from the Department for Transport. The report detailed how the City's streets are managed, including inspection frequency, defect thresholds, and funding allocations.

Cool Streets and Greening Programme

The committee received an update on the Cool Streets and Greening Programme (CSG), which aims to increase resilience in public spaces and infrastructure. They noted the extension of the programme timeframes by 12 months to March 2027, and approved the allocation of £180,000 to the Fann Street and St Peter Westcheap projects, funded from the programme underspend. They also agreed to release £100,000 to develop the designs for Phase Five projects.

The Cool Streets and Greening programme is structured around five phases:

• Pilot projects
• Developed projects
• City greening and biodiversity
• Sustainable drainage projects (SuDS)
• Green and Blue Links

Smithfield Area Public Realm and Transportation Programme

The committee approved an additional budget of £325,000 for the Smithfield Area Public Realm and Transportation Programme, bringing the revised project budget to £1.945 million. The additional funding will support the completion of the detailed design, traffic modelling, and engagement with TfL and the London Borough of Islington. The project is part of a phased approach to align with the London Museum development and associated Section 278 improvements.

Dauntsey House, Frederick's Place - Public Realm Improvements

The committee approved a drawdown of £50,000 from the On-Street Parking Reserve (OSPR) allocation for Dauntsey House, Frederick's Place - Public Realm Improvements to support further surveys and investigations. They also approved an amendment to the scope of the project to include the delivery of a raised carriageway for the full length of Ironmonger Lane.

Legible London S106 Allocations

The committee approved the allocation of £245,000 in Section 106 Legible London deposits to a project to update the City Corporation's Legible London signage. The updates will include the installation of step-free diversion signage at City-managed public lifts.

Combined Section 278 Project Initiation Report

The committee approved budgets for several Section 278 projects, including those at 55 Old Broad Street, 1 Appold Street, Thavies Inn, 60 Queen Victoria Street, and 9 Bridewell Place. These projects involve highway works and public realm improvements in the vicinity of new developments.

16 Old Bailey - Section 278 Highway Works

The committee approved the outcome report for the Section 278 highway works at 16 Old Bailey and agreed to return unspent funds to the developer.

Cycling Behaviour in the City of London

The committee received a report on cycling behaviour in the City of London from the Commissioner of the City of London Police.