Pavements have been widened in Lewisham to allow walkers to socially distance safely.

Barriers have been placed in the road on Deptford High Street, creating extra space for pedestrians in place of parking bays.

The council is also considering areas in Sydenham, Forest Hill, Catford, Lee, Hither Green, Brockley, and Blackheath, emphasising the additional improvements to air quality.

Cllr Sophie McGeevor said: “Fewer than half of households in Lewisham owns a car, and these measures will help reclaim our public space and roads for the majority.  

“We want residents to tell us which measures they would like to see introduced in their local area to boost walking and cycling.   

“The benefits of this work are enormous: from the improved air quality, to the health benefits of a more active population, safer roads and streets, as well as the reduction in carbon emissions that will support our climate emergency action plan.  

“These actions show our commitment to helping people stay safe by socially distancing while supporting people to protect the environment as well.” 

The council has also announced that for a month from May 18 Deptford High Street will be blocked to traffic at the junction with Deptford Broadway for planned gas pipe works.  

A similar scheme has also been introduced on one side of Luxmore Street, New Cross, to allow more space for pedestrians visiting Luxmore Gardens.

Residents can comment, make suggestions for other areas, and say whether they want the schemes to be permanent or not – at the time of writing everyone who commented on the first two proposals backed keeping them for good.