Policy information sourced from Barking and Dagenham Barking Town Centre Area Action Plan DPD

POLICY BTC7: IMPROVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The Council will seek improvements to the public transport network serving Barking Town Centre and the rest of the Plan area and land will be safeguarded for transport infrastructure schemes that could be implemented in the lifetime of the Plan. In particular, it welcomes and will promote the development of East London Transit and the Barking to Royal Docks Bus Corridor through the town centre and the wider AAP area on the alignments shown on the Inset Proposals Map, subject to:

  • Design and layout of the initial bus based systems not precluding subsequent upgrading to a tram based system.
  • The provision of appropriate associated public realm improvements undertaken in line with the Barking Code.
  • Acceptable interchange arrangements as part of the creation of a major transport interchange at Barking Station (see BTCSSA3).
  • It not causing unacceptable environmental impacts on areas within the Plan area through which the transit schemes pass.
  • Ensuring that the detailed design provides fully for pedestrian safety in the town centre, including for those with physical or visual impairment.

Whilst the bus-based systems are likely to be implemented within existing highway boundaries, the Council acknowledges that the acquisition of some small areas of land, the precise extent of which it is not possible for TfL to identify at this stage, may be required. If the upgrade to a tram based system is implemented, it is likely that larger areas of land could be required. In either case, the Council will support such future acquisition provided it will not prejudice the attainment of other AAP policies and proposals.

For more information please see the Barking Town Centre Area Action Plan DPD