Lambeth Bridge improvements finished

The scheme has a cycle lane on the inside of the roundabout, which now features seven Metesequoia trees that were transplanted from the Netherlands earlier this year.

The granite landscaping of the Gateway is profiled to drain surface water into a central hollow that feeds the trees. In the surrounding area, Albert Embankment has new paving and 46 semi-mature London Plane trees leading up to the roundabout. Lambeth Council claim that this is one of the largest highway tree planting schemes in Central London for decades.

Cllr Paul McGlone, the executive councillor with responsibility for the Environment, said: "The roundabout represents the Gateway to Lambeth. It is our opportunity to make a statement about the way we want our borough to be. It is significant we stress the importance of cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings; that, in our view, is the way forward. The amazing trees show that we want Lambeth to be a green, environmentally-friendly place."

The project has been developed with the help of Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity and Millennium Commission funds from the National Lottery.