Wandsworth Council unveils recommendations to improve nighttime transport in the borough

A South London council is investigating ways to improve transport at night which could include upgrades to bus stops and interchanges, better lighting and designated parking bays for delivery drivers.

Wandsworth Council put forward recommendations in its draft night-time strategy after pointing out much of the borough is not served by the London Underground and needs special focus on night-time transport.

The council published the draft strategy outlining ways to improve the borough from 6pm to 6am to meet everyone's needs after consulting with locals. The strategy provides a platform for developing future projects and funding applications.

It recommends creating safer transport hubs and bus stops at night by working with Transport for London (TfL), Network Rail and other providers, along with considering allowing businesses to open later and adding public artwork, calming music and more seating at such hubs. It recommends holding cycling sessions to encourage locals to cycle at night, introducing more car club bays and creating designated parking spaces for delivery drivers waiting for jobs.

The strategy suggests installing free phone charging points in town centres, including at bus stops and interchanges, speaking to TfL and train companies about the cost of transport and the experiences of night-time workers and making sure links between bus stops, train and Tube stations are well-lit and easy to find. The recommendations also include working with TfL, the Met Police and other taxi providers to ensure the safety of people using taxis.

The document also proposes creating a lighting strategy to explore installing more lights across the borough. It comes after locals revealed they wanted improved lighting in town centres, better walking facilities with more signs and safer public transport in consultation with the council on the strategy.

The strategy reads: "Getting around Wandsworth at night in a safe, accessible and straightforward way is essential to creating an active and welcoming night-time experience for all.

"Though the reinstatement of the Night Tube has been welcomed by many, much of the borough is not served by the Underground and a special focus is needed on transport at night, where more issues can arise compared to the daytime."

The authority already has a walking and cycling strategy which includes measures to be introduced up to 2030 to enable residents to walk or cycle in all parts of the borough.

Labour councillor Kemi Akinola, deputy leader, said: "We want our businesses and town centres to thrive, but we also want everyone to feel safe and heard – including night workers, women, marginalised communities and disabled people and people living in more deprived parts of the borough."

The strategy is out for consultation until May 14. When it is finalised, the council's economic development office will create a night-time working group with the Met Police, TfL and licensing to begin conversations on how to take the recommendations forward, assign responsibilities and monitor progress.