Richmond Council's draft Transport Strategy 2040 has come under fire from the borough's Green opposition, who say it risks overlooking the issues residents raised during consultation.

The long-term plan was discussed at the Transport Committee meeting on 8 September, where Councillor Andrée Frieze, Leader of the Opposition (Green Party), warned that the strategy's "strategic pillars" do not match residents' priorities.

Cllr Frieze said walking, the most common form of travel, was treated as "an afterthought" in the strategy.

She criticised the lack of action on barriers such as pavement parking, unsafe crossovers, overhanging vehicles from front drives, and poorly placed street furniture.

"Most concerning," she added, "is the near-total absence of any reference to disabled access. A truly inclusive transport strategy must prioritise accessibility for all residents, including those with mobility and sensory challenges."

The Greens also say the strategy misses an opportunity to deliver a bold vision for cycling.

Despite almost 30% of consultation respondents saying more protected cycle lanes would encourage them to cycle, cycling was not given its own pillar. Instead, it was folded into broader road improvements.

"Residents in every ward, bar one, highlighted the lack of safe cycling infrastructure. This is a borough-wide issue and it deserves a standalone pillar with clear commitments and funding," said Cllr Frieze.

The opposition also questioned the practicality of relying on towpaths and parks for walking and cycling routes, pointing out that these can be unsafe or inaccessible in winter or after dark.

Meanwhile, the Greens criticised the decision to make Electric Vehicles (EVs) one of the key pillars, despite EVs barely featuring in residents' consultation responses.

"EVs are not a mode of transport, they are a type of vehicle," said Cllr Frieze. "They don't address congestion, road safety, or the pedestrian experience. Their inclusion as a pillar is misplaced."

The Green opposition is urging the Liberal Democrat administration to revise the Transport Strategy pillars and bring them more in line with residents' views.

Their recommendations include:

• Prioritising walking and accessibility, with targeted action on barriers.
• Creating a dedicated cycling pillar with funding and clear targets.
• Ensuring infrastructure is safe and usable year-round.
• Considering EVs as part of wider car use, rather than a standalone priority.

Cllr Frieze added: "This Transport Strategy is described by the Lib Dem administration as a co-production with residents. Yet the pillars they have chosen ignore the overwhelming views of respondents.

"I continue to push them to reassess the pillars to make them more reflective of residents' wishes."

Click here to read the draft transport strategy.

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