The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council has issued a new transport policy document in an effort to secure ‘less interference in local issues and more funding for local priorities’. The Transport and Streetscape Policies report covers principles used by the council to improve road safety and street design and reduce transport emissions. This includes its ‘experimental’ and uncluttered approach to street design which is embodied in the Kensington High Street design, and the proposals for Exhibition Road. Deputy leader, Cllr Daniel Moylan, said: ‘For too long, boroughs have been seen as mere instruments for implementing the Mayor of London’s “broad-brush” plans. ‘This is an overarching document which will enable residents and business, indeed all road-users, to better understand what they can expect from the council in terms of transport priorities. ‘It is also a reminder to the Government, the Greater London Authority and Transport for London that boroughs make an indispensable contribution to improving transport and the public realm.’ Work on Exhibition Road is expected to begin this year, and if the expected additional funding comes through from the GLA, the paving element of the project could start next year. See feature page 18