Transport

More than 13m people already travel through Elephant and Castle every year, and this will increase significantly over the next decade. While the area is already well served by public transport, a key aim is to improve the connections between bus, train, tube, tram and car. Another is to give priority to public transport, pedestrians and cyclists, to limit the negative effects of traffic, including pollution.

Key changes will include:

Cars
Walworth Road will be closed to cars between Heygate Boulevard and the southern roundabout. The southern roundabout will be removed and the northern roundabout redeveloped into the Civic Square. London Road will be closed. Car parking in the central area will be restricted to essential users and disabled drivers, while car clubs and other car sharing measures will be encouraged.

Pedestrians
Wider pavements and less street clutter will make the whole area a more pedestrian-friendly place. Subways will be replaced by new, street level crossings and there will be extra crossings, making it easier to move around.

Cycling
A number of initiatives are planned, including new and improved cycle lanes, bike hire schemes, a ‘bike and ride’ Cycle Centre with room for 1,000 bikes, and enhanced shower and changing facilities.

Tube
The Northern Line sub-station will be replaced and a new link between the Bakerloo and Northern Lines created. Pedestrians will be able to access the tube stations from the Civic Square, through improved entrances.

Trams
The new Cross River Tram will connect Elephant and Castle and the rest of Southwark with Waterloo, King’s Cross, Euston and Camden Town, with stops in the Civic Square and throughout the area.

Buses
Buses will be more plentiful and more frequent, with enhanced waiting facilities and more stops.

Trains
As well as the new station, the existing Thameslink service will be improved, with better connections to the north and south.

Taxis
New pick up and drop off zones will be created. The council will also explore the possibility of introducing a rickshaw service, like the ones in the West End.

Mobility Centre
A Mobility Centre in the Civic Square will offer journey planning advice and sell tickets, as well as providing information on local transport facilities including car clubs, disabled parking and bike and ride.