Southwark’s new Green leader plans to make driving harder in the borough
James McAsh says reducing traffic is necessary for children’s safety and the climate emergency
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Leader Jame McAsh named and council housing figures cited, yet no documents or independent sources support the claims.
Higher is stronger
Explains traffic reduction benefits, quotes the leader, but lacks opposing voices or detailed next steps.
Higher is stronger
Headline emphasizes car restrictions, while article covers broader housing and immigration topics, modest sensationalism.
Lower is better
Southwark Council’s new leader, James McAsh, has set out plans to make driving more difficult in the borough. The Green councillor, who leads a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, said reducing traffic is essential to protect children’s safety and tackle the climate emergency. The proposals include blocking rat runs and expanding low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and school streets.
McAsh, who defected from Labour to the Greens, told the *Evening Standard* that some measures would be controversial but necessary. He said: "Londoners are dying from extreme heat, and when it comes to the winter, we’ll be expecting extreme weather in other ways, flooding, etc. We need to react to that."
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Why traffic reduction is a priority
The council leader said reducing car use is not just about making walking and cycling easier. It also means making driving harder. He cited air pollution, road safety and the climate crisis as reasons for the policy. "It’s about kids being able to walk and cycle around safely without being run down," McAsh said. "It’s about their lungs not being clogged up with poisonous gases."
Southwark already has some LTNs and school streets, but McAsh indicated the council would expand them. He did not specify which areas would be affected first. The council will need to consult residents before implementing changes, a process likely to begin later this year.
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Housing and immigration policies
Southwark has one of the longest social housing waiting lists in London, with more than 20,000 families registered. The council also manages over 4,000 households in temporary accommodation. McAsh said the coalition would look at bringing empty homes back into use, including hundreds owned by the council.
On immigration, Southwark has stopped cooperating with Home Office enforcement teams. McAsh told the *Evening Standard* the council does not share information about raids or participate in them. The only data shared is statistical information required by law. This follows a similar policy adopted by Lewisham Council last month.
We also need to have something we're trying to achieve. And for me, traffic reduction is something we need to achieve.
James McAsh, Southwark Council leader
What happens next
The council has not set a timeline for formal proposals on traffic reduction or housing. Residents can expect public consultations once plans are drafted. The coalition’s housing policies, including measures to increase affordable housing, will also be subject to scrutiny by the council’s housing committee.
Questions this report answers
+What is Southwark Council planning to do about car use?
Southwark Council’s leader, James McAsh, plans to make driving more difficult by blocking rat runs and expanding low-traffic neighbourhoods. The aim is to improve road safety for children and reduce air pollution. Formal proposals will be published later this year.
+How many families are waiting for social housing in Southwark?
Southwark Council has more than 20,000 families on its social housing waiting list. The council also manages over 4,000 households in temporary accommodation. The new administration plans to bring empty homes back into use to address the shortage.
+Has Southwark Council stopped working with the Home Office?
Yes, Southwark Council has stopped cooperating with Home Office immigration enforcement teams. The council does not share information about raids or participate in them, except for statistical data required by law. This follows a similar policy in Lewisham.
+When will residents be able to respond to the traffic reduction plans?
Residents will have the opportunity to respond during public consultations once the council publishes formal proposals. No timeline has been set, but the process is expected to begin in the coming months.
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