How we’re performing so far
We have been recognised for our environmental efforts, including being shortlisted in the Digital Leaders environmental categories for two consecutive years. In 2024, we were a finalist for the Environmental Impact Award due to our innovative air quality data platform, and in 2023, were featured in the Digital Leaders 100 list for our "Green Tech Initiative of the Year" with the schools’ healthy commutes project.
Westminster City Council implemented an emissions-based charging scheme in June 2024 for both resident parking permits and pay-to-park services. Under the new system, fees are determined by a vehicle's CO2 emissions, with lower-emission vehicles receiving reduced rates. This initiative aims to help us achieve our goal of becoming a Net Zero City by 2040, improving air quality and reducing premature deaths caused by pollution.
We have also completed a Climate Vulnerability Assessment, which will contribute to our Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan. Westminster’s Recycling Team, in collaboration with Veolia, won the Local Authority Recycling Initiative Award for our Community Mobile Recycling Centre initiative. Additionally, Sackville Street has been transformed with new cycle infrastructure and additional greenery, enhancing both its aesthetic and environmental quality, benefiting both residents and visitors.
Below we have highlighted other ways we have delivered throughout the 2023/24 financial year, based on the latest positions available at the end of March 2024. Although progress continues to be made, we know there is still work to do as we work to deliver our Fairer Westminster strategy.
Sustainable transport
Our aim is to encourage sustainable and active modes of transport for our residents, reduce air pollution and make electric vehicles a more appealing option...
We’re fully committed to expanding and improving our cycling network, making it easier for everyone to ride and walk around our city. Cycling is fast, eco-friendly, and great for health, so we’re focused on creating a safe, accessible environment for active travel.
We're working to deliver three new cycleways – C40, C43, and C51 – through central Westminster by 2026. This hasn’t been simple, but we’re listening closely to feedback from residents, businesses and cyclists to ensure routes are both safe and practical for everyone. After public consultation, we’re adjusting our plans to better meet local needs.
We've also consulted on several additional routes and will begin construction on others next year. Recent improvements include 55 new cycling stands, 3,400 e-bike parking spaces, 250 cycle hangars, and new cargo and hire bike stations. Through these efforts, we're proud to see more people cycling in Westminster than ever.
Sustainable city
Our aim is to support the sustainability of our city and build its resilience...
We held a Sustainable City Charter Summer Showcase at Somerset House in July, which drove up numbers and engagement with the programme. We now have 75 businesses signed up to the SCC with more still in the process of completing their applications. External support (via WSP) has now started work on a project to improve the charter toolkit with the creation of 30 case studies for signatories to use. We created five promotional videos for the charter and have been using them to drive up engagement post-election. We also exhibited at the Reset Connect conference to further drive business engagement.
We are committed to being open and transparent and making information on our progress more accessible to everyone. This way you can always see how we're doing on delivering a Fairer Westminster. The above are just a few of the ways we're measuring how we're building a Fairer Environment. You can also find out more at our Open Data page and by reading our Fairer Westminster Delivery Plan:
