Sustainable Streets programme
Our Sustainable Streets programme aims to create better street for residents, reduce the number of car journeys made in Lewisham and encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport, in order to reduce traffic and pollution, improve road safety and lower carbon emissions.
With unrestricted parking on 75% of our roads – the highest of any inner London borough – improving parking management and introducing more sustainable transport measures are both crucial for reducing the number of unnecessary car journeys and tackling traffic, congestion and pollution.
We are proposing to introduce new parking permit schemes to discourage unnecessary journeys and ensure on-street parking is prioritising for local residents and businesses, helping reduce traffic, congestion and pollution.
Alongside the introduction of parking permit schemes, our Sustainable Streets programme proposes a series of improvements to local streets and investment in sustainable transport measures, including more street trees, safer crossing points, electric vehicle charging points, secure cycle storage and car club bays.
As well as reducing unnecessary car journeys, the introduction of parking permit schemes will provide the space and funding needed to invest in these sustainable transport measures and improvements to local streets.
Our Sustainable Streets programme is being rolled out in phases across the borough, with local residents and businesses in different parts of the borough consulted on proposals for their area.
Brockley
A consultation for Brockley is currently live. In May and June 2024, we asked Brockley and Telegraph Hill residents to share any parking challenges they have experienced in the area and what sustainable measures they would like to see on their streets. The feedback received was extremely valuable as we were able to identify areas where that are highly supportive of the Sustainable Streets programme.
The second phase of our consultation is now live. Leaflets have been distributed to residents summarising the proposals we intend to put in place for each area, shaped by the feedback and insights we received, and traffic reviews and investigations.
We encourage all residents to share their views and take part in the consultation. Please share your feedback before Sunday 19 January.
Catford and Crofton Park
In August 2024, we completed a six-month review consultation of the Sustainable Streets Programme in Catford and Crofton Park. As a result of your feedback, we are looking to extend the current measures to the following streets: Tatnell Road, Lessing Street, Grierson Road, Gabriel Street, Honor Oak Park, and Riseldine Road.
We brought this recommendation to Mayor and Cabinet on Wednesday 4 December 2024.
Catford South, Brockley, Lee Hither, Green
A consultation for Catford South, Hither Green and Lee Green is currently live.
In May and June 2024, we asked Catford South, Hither Green and Lee Green residents to share any parking challenges they have experienced in the area and what sustainable measures they would like to see on their streets. The feedback received was extremely valuable and we have now used this feedback to launch stage two of the consultation. Leaflets have been distributed to residents summarising the proposals we intend to put in place for each area, shaped by the feedback and insights we received.
We encourage all residents to share their views and take part in the consultation. Please share your feedback before Sunday 26 January.
Deptford
We are currently working with businesses and the wider Deptford community to develop designs that make the high street more vibrant, cleaner, greener, safer and more accessible. As part of this, we are identifying where additional parking and loading is needed for businesses and customers. Consultations with businesses and the wider Deptford community on these proposals will take place once the designs are further developed.
Following this, we will commence a review of the Sustainable Streets wider Deptford zone. This is expected to take place in early to mid-2025.
Evelyn and New Cross Gate
We consulted residents and businesses in Evelyn and New Cross Gate on Sustainable Streets proposals in early 2024. The proposals included the introduction of new parking permit schemes, cycle hangars, electric vehicle charging points, street trees, disabled parking bays, car club bays and junction improvements. We are grateful to everybody who took the time to share their views on these proposals.
Plans to expand the programme to Evelyn and New Cross Gate were approved at Mayor and Cabinet in December 2023.
After completing a statutory consultation on the proposed traffic changes and reviewing any comments and objections from residents, the Sustainable Streets measures have been approved, and are now being implemented.
Evelyn - Pepys Estate
In autumn 2023, we asked for your views on plans to introduce the Sustainable Streets programme to public roads in the Evelyn area, excluding housing estates and private roads. Your feedback showed support for these proposals, and we will soon start implementing these measures, including permit parking.
Some estate residents expressed concerns about drivers parking on their estates to avoid paying for public highway parking, which may lead to congestion and parking difficulties for residents. In response, we’re asking Pepys Estate residents if they want Sustainable Streets measures introduced in their area. This would include emissions-based permit parking for streets and car parks. If residents support the idea, we’ll move to a statutory consultation. If not, the parking will not be reviewed for several years unless significant resident support is shown.
Residents of Eddystone and Terrace have already supported permit parking in their estates. A statutory consultation to review this will take place alongside a consultation on permit parking in other areas of the Pepys Estate, if supported.
The Colonnade Estate already has permit parking, and any new Pepys Estate parking zones will be strictly enforced.
The Sustainable Streets consultation for Pepys Estate has ended. We are reviewing the feedback and will share an update with residents soon.
Parking reviews: Lewisham Central, Blackheath and Rushey Green West
Residents and businesses in Lewisham Central (Zone B), Blackheath (Zone BHA) and Rushey Green West (Zone E) were asked to share their views on parking permit schemes in their area, as part of the Sustainable Streets programme. As well as reviewing existing parking arrangements, we asked what other sustainable transport measures and improvements people would like to see on their street, such as more street trees, safer crossing points, cycle hangars, electric vehicle charging points and car club bays.
The consultation closed on 1 October 2023 and we are currently analysing the results of the consultation survey in order to inform next steps.
Parking reviews: Deptford Central, Deptford South, Elverson and Ladywell
Residents and businesses in Deptford Central (Zone S), Deptford South (Zone DS), Elverson (Zone G) and Ladywell (Zone T) were asked to share their views on existing parking permit schemes in their area, as part of the Sustainable Streets programme. As well as reviewing existing parking arrangements, we asked what other sustainable transport measures and improvements people would like to see on their street, such as more street trees, safer crossing points, cycle hangars, electric vehicle charging points and car club bays.
The consultation for these areas closed on 21 January 2024 and we are currently analysing the results of the consultation survey in order to inform next steps.
Request or review a CPZ
If you are concerned about parking displacement on your street, you can register your interest in a controlled parking zone for your road or a review of a CPZ.
Implementation of Sustainable Streets measures
Permit parking: As part of the programme, new residential parking permit schemes will be introduced in some roads in the Evelyn and New Cross Gate consultation zone; alongside the introduction of short-stay parking bays for visitors, disabled bays and loading bays for businesses. This will require vehicles to purchase a parking permit to park on these roads.
New bays will be painted, and signage will be installed within the coming weeks, but enforcement of these new parking permit schemes will not begin until early 2025. We will be writing to residents and businesses on roads where parking permit schemes are being introduced in 2025 to provide further information about enforcement plans and how to apply for a parking permit.
Car-free developments: Some residents may live in a ‘car-free’ development. As part of the planning obligations for car-free developments, residents are not permitted to hold or apply for a parking permit within a controlled parking zone (CPZ). However, we recognise that it has not previously been possible to enforce these planning obligations for car-free developments outside of existing CPZs and some residents may currently own a vehicle.
To help residents adjust to no car ownership, people who already live in car-free buildings in the area and currently own a vehicle, will be allowed to buy a parking permit for up to 18 months after the new rules start.
Double yellow lines at junctions: To improve road safety at junctions, double yellow lines will be painted at the junctions of all roads across the consultation zone. Works to paint double yellow lines will take place in the coming weeks. Vehicles are not allowed to wait or park on double yellow lines at any time and enforcement of these restrictions will begin automatically.
Hiring a space in a cycle hangar: New cycle hangars will be installed in the area as part of the programme, providing secure on-street cycle storage for residents. We will be writing to residents with further information about how to apply for a space in one of these hangars.
Street trees: New street trees will be planted as part of the programme, bringing more greenery to local streets and = many environmental benefits to the area. Planting will take place in March 2025.
Car club bays and electric vehicle charging points: New car club bays and electric vehicle charging points will be installed in various locations across Evelyn and New Cross Gate as part of the programme. Timelines for installation can be found in the table below.
Timeline:
| Parking bays painted and signage installed | November 2024 – January 2025 |
| Double yellow lines painted at junctions | November 2024 – January 2025 |
| Street trees planted Spring 2025 | Spring 2025 |
| Cycle hangars installed | November 2024 – January 2025 |
| Car clubs delivered | January 2025 |
| Electric vehicle charging points installed | Phased rollout throughout 2025 |
Please note this could be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aim of the Sustainable Streets programme?
We want to reduce the number of car journeys in Lewisham and encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport. This will help to reduce air pollution, traffic and congestion, improve road safety and lower carbon emissions, helping tackle the Climate Emergency and creating a nicer environment for local people.
To achieve this, we want to create streets that encourage people to travel more sustainably, discourage unnecessary car journeys and make better use of road space and pavements.
With unrestricted parking on 75% of roads in the borough, improving parking management is vital for reducing the number of unnecessary car journeys and tackling traffic, congestion, and air pollution. Introducing parking permit schemes helps discourage unnecessary car journeys and ensures parking is prioritised for local residents and businesses.
Alongside the introduction of parking permit schemes, our Sustainable Streets programme proposes a series of improvements to local streets and investment in sustainable transport measures, including more street trees, safer crossing points, electric vehicle charging points, secure cycle storage and car club bays.
Why are parking permit schemes being proposed?
Parking permit schemes aim to ensure parking is prioritised for local residents and businesses and reduce unnecessary car journeys into and around the borough.
Parking pressures can vary road to road. While some people may find it easy to park on their street, many residents have difficulties parking near their home, particularly on roads close to train stations, event destinations or high streets. Parking permit schemes help to ensure residents can park near to their home.
With a parking permit scheme in place, commuters and visitors will be more likely to travel to the area by walking, cycling or using public transport, helping reduce traffic and pollution and improving road safety.
The introduction of parking permit schemes also provides the space and funding needed to invest in sustainable transport measures and improvements to local streets.
Is it possible to introduce the sustainable transport measures and improvements proposed without parking permit schemes?
No - the introduction of parking permit schemes will generate the funding needed to invest in sustainable transport measures and creates the space required to make these improvements to local streets.
What is the money from parking permits spent on?
Money from the parking permit schemes proposed will fund the new sustainable transport measures and improvements to local streets, including more street trees and planting, secure cycle storage hubs, electric vehicle charging points, car club bays and safer crossing points.
All funds raised from parking restrictions are ring-fenced for local transport and highways improvements, including active travel initiatives and discounts on travel, such as Freedom Passes for older and disabled residents who travel via public transport.
How much do parking permits cost?
The cost of a parking permit is calculated based on the emissions of a vehicle. Check how much a parking permit would cost for your vehicle using our online permit calculator tool.
In areas where new parking permit schemes are introduced, residents and businesses will receive a 15% discount on the cost of their annual permit for the first year.
Blue Badge holders in areas with a parking permit scheme can apply for a Disabled Resident Parking Permit, this allows permit holders to park in any resident, dual or triple use bay in the borough.
Carers of residents in areas with a parking permit scheme can also apply for a free carers permit, allowing them to visit free of charge for up to four hours.
I don’t have a problem parking on my road – why do we need a parking permit scheme here?
Parking pressures can vary road to road. While some people may find it easy to park on their street, many residents have difficulties parking near their home, particularly on roads close to train stations, event destinations or high streets. Parking permit schemes help to ensure residents can park near to their home.
In order to avoid displacing non-residential parking onto nearby roads that do not currently experience significant parking pressures, we normally take an area-wide approach when introducing new parking permit schemes. This approach has been successfully implemented in other areas across the borough and can help to reduce parking pressures on certain roads without negatively impacting other residents.
Introducing new sustainable transport measures also requires reallocating road space currently used for car parking. The introduction of parking permit schemes alongside these sustainable transport measures will ensure that the remaining road space available for car parking is prioritised for local residents and businesses.
Parking permit schemes also encourage commuters and visitors to travel to the area by walking, cycling or using public transport, helping reduce traffic and pollution and improving road safety across the whole area.
What about people who need to drive?
While we want to reduce the number of car journeys in Lewisham, we know some people still need to drive, such as people with mobility impairments or people who need to drive for work.
Parking permit schemes still enable residents to own a car and park near their house, while encouraging those who can, to make more journeys on foot, by bike or on public transport.
Blue Badge holders in areas with a parking permit scheme are able to apply for a free annual permit. We are also proposing to install more disabled bays in locations where they have been requested by residents, making it easier for people with mobility issues to park near their home.
The proposals also include the installation of more car club bays, helping people who need to make occasional journeys by car, but may not own a vehicle.
Will people still be able to visit me by car?
Yes - anyone can still drive to a home or business in areas with a parking permit scheme. If someone is visiting an area outside the hours of permit parking operation, they can park anywhere free of charge.
If they are visiting during the hours permit parking is in operation, they will need to park in one of the dedicated pay-and-display zones – located on every street – or use a visitors permit provided by a resident within the area. Visitor permits are for one time use and allow visitors to park in permit bays nearby to the home they’re visiting.
Residents with a parking permit receive ten one-hour visitor permits for free and additional visitor permits can be purchased as needed, starting from £1.80 per hour.
Ten one-hour visitor passes will also be provided free of charge to any resident who is over 60 in receipt of Council Tax support and does not have another parking permit.
Pay-and-display bays or visitor permits can be used by tradespeople when needed.
How much do visitor permits cost?
Carers of residents in areas with a parking permit scheme can also apply for a free carers permit, allowing them to visit free of charge for up to four hours.
Any resident aged over 60 who is in receipt of Council Tax support will also be provided with a free book of 10 one-hour visitor permits.
How will these proposals impact local businesses?
Our Sustainable Streets programme aims to make it easier for people to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to local shops and high streets, helping support local businesses.
The introduction of new parking permit schemes and short-stay parking bays will encourage greater turnover of parking near busy shopping locations, making it easier for other residents who need to drive to visit local shops and high streets.
We would encourage local business owners to fill out the consultation survey so that we can hear their views and ensure our Sustainable Streets programme meets their needs. We are also carrying out face-to-face consultation with local businesses in the consultation area to ensure they have the opportunity to share their views.
When would the parking permits operate if they went ahead?
We want to have a consistent approach across Lewisham and most parking permit schemes in the borough operate 9am-5pm.
As part of the consultation, we will be asking residents what days of the week they think permit parking would be most useful.
We will use the results of the consultation, along with parking monitoring surveys, to identify times and days for the proposed parking permit scheme.
My street isn’t included in the consultation area - will I have a chance to be involved?
We have plans to consult the whole borough in phases. We are starting in areas where our data shows streets are often congested with parked cars and will aim to consult the whole borough as quickly as possible.
I live in a car-free development - will I be able to purchase a residential parking permit?
As part of the planning obligations of car-free developments, residents are not permitted to hold or apply for a parking permit. It is recognised that for car-free developments outside of existing CPZs, these planning obligations have not been enforced previously and some residents may own a vehicle despite the terms of their residence.
To assist with the transition period, residents of car-free developments in areas where new parking permit schemes are being introduced will be able to purchase a parking permit for up to 18 months.
As well as introducing parking controls to improving parking management and reduce traffic and congestion, the measures being introduced as part of the Sustainable Streets programme also include more cycle hangars, car club bays, new street trees, safer junctions and electric vehicle charging points. These measures will help enable people to make more journeys by walking and cycling and support a shift away from higher polluting modes of transport.
The provision of car clubs near car-free developments will also support residents who may need to make some journeys by car, without owning a vehicle personally.