The local authority has reached out to people to help it develop a new transport strategy, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

A rear view of a bus in front of the words 'Bus Lane' on the road in Stamford Hill. — (Credit – TfL)

Barnet Council is seeking feedback from residents on public transport in the borough.

The local authority has reached out to people to help it develop a new transport strategy, as well as receive comments on proposals for three new bus lanes.

Public workshops on the transport strategy are set to take place in September, when residents can share their views and ideas.

The strategy aims to achieve the borough’s net zero targets, provide more transport options for people, improve public health and safety, and better link-up the borough.

Workshops will be held on Monday, 9th September from 6pm-8pm at Finchley Church End Library, and on Tuesday 10th from 5pm-7pm at Colindale Library.

The council has said that places are limited so residents are required to fill in a registration form by 26th August in order to attend.

The move comes after the council published its priorities for the borough in a document titled ‘Our Plan for Barnet 2023-2026’.

As well as reaching net zero, the council wants to create “safe and attractive neighbourhoods” and “tackle inequalities”. The latter is something the council says has a “direct impact on transport”.

The new transport strategy will be “backed” by a detailed action plan, which will provide the framework to deliver on its policies.

The council is also seeking comments on three bus lane proposals. The new bus lanes are proposed for Barnet High Street in Chipping Barnet, for Ballards Lane in Finchley, and for Regents Park Road, also in Finchley.

The council said: “Buses are a vital and growing part of Barnet’s transport network, passenger numbers on routes passing through Barnet have increased to 208,000 bus trips per day.”

Residents have until Wednesday, 17th September to fill out online questionnaires for each proposal.

The council is also still seeking comments on its proposals for a 17-mile walking and cycling loop which will go around most of the borough, designed to help encourage healthier travel.

An upcoming drop-in session is set for Finchley Church End Library from 2pm until 6pm on Wednesday, 28th August, and residents can provide comments online until Friday 30th.

For further information and to take part in the transport strategy consultation:
Visit Transport Strategy engagement | Engage Barnet

For further information and to take part in the bus lane consultation:
Visit Barnet Bus Lanes Engagement Hub | Engage Barnet

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