Merton’s emergency transport response was endorsed by Merton’s Cabinet last week.

The council says the plan takes into account the valued input from residents and groups after receiving more than 300 suggestions to help shape the borough.

Merton say they are "reusing road space to make it safer and easier for residents to take more journeys by foot or bike."

Plans aim to ensure social distancing is maintained on public transport, as more people return to work and everyday activities.

Your Local Guardian:

The council says it wants to avoid a huge rise in car driving which will increase air pollution and lead to gridlock.

Pop-up cycle lanes and pavement widening schemes are being installed across the borough to help residents maintain social distancing and to improve road safety.

Longer-term proposals to support a major shift of road use towards walking and cycling throughout the borough include strategic cycle routes and low traffic neighbourhoods.

Work has been completed for a one-way pedestrian route on Ashcombe Bridge Road, in Wimbledon and for the pavement widening scheme on Wimbledon Bridge.

Your Local Guardian:

A segregated cycle lane can also been seen on Haydon's Bridge Road in Wimbledon.

Schemes to widen the pavements along Merton High Street, Mitcham Fair Green, Worple Road in Wimbledon and Wimbledon Village are to be actioned this month.

The emergency works scheduled up until the end of July include segregated cycle lanes in London Road in Mitcham, Merton High Street as well as Bushey Road and Plough Lane, both in Wimbledon.

Work is also to be actioned to create more secured and standard cycle parking by stations throughout July and August to meet the demand.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Transport, Councillor Martin Whelton, said: “Our response puts in place measures to encourage people to undertake active travel instead of using their cars.

Your Local Guardian:

The pandemic has transformed how we live our lives, and it is vital that we continue to maintain social distancing while travelling.

"It has also enabled us to create a unique opportunity to build upon our work to improve air quality and promote healthy active travel in Merton.

“We would like to thank all the residents, groups and organisations who contributed feedback on our transport plans.

"Our funding bids takes account of unprecedented demand for walking and cycling."

Your Local Guardian:

Bids have been submitted to the Department for Transport and TfL and the delivery of the long term plans depend upon the success of these.

The estimated cost of delivering the program for the next 6 months is £490,000.

It is proposed that this is funded initially from the council’s existing highway budget, pending further funding from TFL, DFT or Community Infrastructure Levy.