Croydon Council has detailed its blueprint for spending a significant £9 million transport windfall, targeting some of the borough's most pressing issues over the next two years. The funding, a mix of Transport for London (TfL) grants and developer contributions, is set to finance road safety improvements, enhanced bus services, and new walking and cycling connections.
Priority Projects: From Dangerous Roads to Station Upgrades
The council has outlined several key priorities for the investment, though most schemes will undergo feasibility studies before final designs are confirmed. The largest single share, £3.41 million from TfL's Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding, is earmarked for reducing traffic speed and volume on priority corridors borough-wide, using measures like speed tables.
A specific focus is Portland Road in South Norwood, which has been allocated £650,000 to address a history of collisions and difficult pedestrian crossings. Father Sam Dennis of St Luke's Church recounted multiple serious incidents, including a car crashing into the church wall and an overturned, burning vehicle. "Knowing how many people walk down the pavement, we are very lucky no pedestrians have been seriously injured," he said. Proposed safety works include traffic calming and improved crossings.
Another £1.705 million of LIP money will go towards improving bus reliability. This will fund new and extended bus lanes, potential 'bus and cycle only' streets on routes like Whitehorse Road and the A23, and upgrades to ensure lanes meet width standards.
Boosting Active Travel and Future-Proofing Stations
A substantial £2 million, drawn from Section 106 developer contributions, will create better walking and cycling links between Croydon's green spaces. Planned routes could connect Mitcham Common to Wandle Park and Lloyd Park to Addington Park.
Angus Hewlett of Croydon Cycling Campaign welcomed the recreational links but urged more focus on "utility cycling" for daily commutes. "We'd like to see more emphasis on those day-to-day short journeys to school, work, or major train stations," he stated.
Meanwhile, £477,000 is set aside for targeted improvements at West Croydon, East Croydon, and Reedham stations to aid passenger flow and accessibility. The council confirmed these smaller upgrades at East Croydon, such as wayfinding, are "future-proofed" to align with the larger, paused Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS).
Funding and Future Vision
The total £9 million package comprises £6.9 million from TfL's LIP allocation and £2.1 million from Section 106 agreements. The final TfL award is due for confirmation in March 2026. Additional funds will also provide new electric vehicle charging points and cycle hangars near developments.
Croydon Mayor Jason Perry linked the investment to the borough's growth strategy, stating: "Croydon's connectivity is one of its greatest strengths and our proposals set out how we will maximise TfL's investment to build on this." The council aims to use the funding to encourage a shift towards sustainable transport while directly addressing long-standing community safety concerns.
