The London Borough of Lambeth has produced an emergency plan that focuses on making changes to roads and pavements to improve road safety as well as support social distancing.
The council says that pavements will be extended into the road in the busiest parts of the borough as well as removing through traffic on other roads.
Longer term work to make safe routes to and from the borough’s town centres will also follow.
Councillor Claire Holland, Deputy Leader for Sustainable Transport, Environment and Clean Air, said: “Coronavirus has dramatically changed the way people are using streets in Lambeth and beyond. Many people are walking and cycling to make essential journeys or exercise, following the Mayor’s call to ensure public transport is used only by people who need it.
“However, at the same time, we are facing a road danger with the Met recording speeds of up to 85mph in roads where people are having to walk or exercise to socially distance to reduce COVID-19 transmission. That’s why we are taking urgent action to protect our residents.
“We will be moving quickly and flexibly, and while there are clear challenges around funding and capacity due to the virus, we will be taking action where we know there are particular issues.”
The council will also accelerate sections of its Transport Strategy to support safe travel and to anticipate changes to the national COVID-19 response.
