We are working towards a net zero council by 2030 and helping to reduce emissions across Merton to achieve a net zero borough by 2050.
Contents
Transport
The scale of the challenge
Transport emissions in Merton equate to 27% of the borough’s total greenhouse gas inventory. By 2050, all residents, businesses and organisations in Merton will need to use cleaner, lower carbon forms of transport like walking, cycling or using public transport. Where vehicles are necessary, these will need to be replaced by low-carbon alternatives, like electric vehicles.
What we are doing
Please see Workstream 4 of our Resident Summary Report, to see how we are improving the transport infrastructure to support more walking, cycling and electric vehicle use.
Subscribe to our climate action newsletter, if you would like to receive information about community climate action events, grant funding opportunities, local campaigns and much more
What you can do
Step 1 - Reduce emissions from travel
Active travel
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Ask your local school to get in touch with Merton’s Road Safety Officers to develop a School Travel Plan to encourage sustainable modes of transport to and from school.
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Support our School Streets and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods designed to reduce traffic in residential areas and around schools.
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Sign up for Merton’s cycle training for adults or children, or receive bike maintenance for free.
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Connect with experienced cyclists to build your confidence with Cycle Buddies
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Trial a bike, before fully committing to cycling through Try Before You Bike.
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Donate your bike, or buy a refurbished one through The Bike Project
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Report a problem with a cycling route, or request cycle parking through Merton Council’s Website.
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Find a low pollution walking or cycling route through the Mayor of London’s Clean Air Route Finder
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Find some of the best walks in London using Go Jauntly
Electric vehicles
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Check out the Government Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles webpages, to see if you are eligible for a grant to reduce the cost of installing workplace, or home electric vehicle charge points.
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Take a look at Merton Council’s Electric Vehicle Charging pages, to see where new charging points are being installed, or to request a charging point.
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Find out what cost savings you could make by switching to an electric vehicle with Zap Map’s Journey Cost Calculator.
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Debunk some electric vehicle myths, with the Energy Saving Trust’s Electric vehicles: debunking the myths blog.
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Download Sustainable Merton’s Air Quality Handbook for useful tips on cycling and saving fuel in your vehicle
Step 2 – Take action, get involved
Get involved - in the Climate Action Group, or join one of the many community-driven climate projects which are happening in the borough. You can check out what Sustainable Merton are up to and become one of their Community Champions. You can also find out more about voluntary services in Merton.
Bid for Funding - If you are part of a group who have great ideas for local climate projects, why not consider bidding for the next round of the council’s Community Climate Action Fund? The next round is due to open in Autumn 2024, but we recommend that residents and local organisations start developing their proposals as early as possible. See the 2023 bidding page.