Barking and Dagenham's Streets Get Safer, Greener Upgrade

Barking and Dagenham’s streets have seen significant improvements over the past three years, with residents benefiting from safer roads, cleaner neighbourhoods and better options for walking, cycling and public transport. The progress is set out in a new report examining the impact of investment from Transport for London and the Mayor of London.

Between 2022 and 2025, 57 per cent of Barking and Dagenham residents walked, cycled or used public transport for their daily journeys. This shift has been supported by the delivery of seven kilometres of new or upgraded cycle routes, alongside the installation of 320 new on‑street cycle parking spaces, helping make cycling a more practical option for everyday travel.

Families have also benefited from the introduction of three new School Streets, which restrict through‑traffic at school drop‑off and pick‑up times. These schemes have helped improve safety around schools, reduced congestion and created calmer environments for children and parents. Pedestrian safety has been further strengthened through the delivery of nine new protected crossings, improving accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.

Alongside investment in active travel, Barking and Dagenham has focused on making streets safer and easier to use for everyone. Improvements have included changes to road layouts, safer junctions and measures to support more reliable bus journeys, helping residents move around the borough more confidently.

Together, these transport improvements show how targeted local investment can make a real difference. Barking and Dagenham’s changing streets are helping create healthier, more connected neighbourhoods, supporting everyday journeys while encouraging more sustainable ways of travelling.