Burtons Road area: consultation on potential traffic-reducing measures

Overview

You may recall that we consulted you regarding proposed traffic reduction measures in the Burtons Road area in June 2019. These proposals consisted of the following package of measures and were intended to remove all through traffic from the area at all times:

• A road closure at the Links View Road / Burtons Road junction 
• A no entry for eastbound vehicles outside numbers 81-83 Burtons Road  
• A road closure for all motorised traffic in both directions mid-way between Lindsay Road and Cranmer Road

The scheme to remove through traffic from Burtons Road (Links View Road and Albert Road) had originated from a residents’ petition and complaints over a number of years, regarding the level of traffic. Traffic surveys have shown that more traffic uses Burtons Road during the AM peak period than the adjacent Park Road. Given the existing road-width, narrow pavements and level on street parking on Burtons Road, this is quite concerning.

The feedback from the consultation showed a clear divide in opinion between those in the proposed traffic reduction area and those outside. Residents in the roads likely to see a positive benefit from the proposals (Burtons Road, Links View Road and Albert Road) were generally supportive of the proposals, whilst those in roads outside of the area defined were mainly opposed. The key reason for not supporting this proposal was due to the displaced traffic on other parts of the road network, namely Park Road and Uxbridge Road. These roads already suffer from heavy traffic flows and congestion during peak hours. Overall, the majority of respondents were opposed to the proposed package of measures without any consideration being given to the wider road network.  An analysis of comments made by those against the proposal suggested that there was a significant number of people who would support a lesser peak time restriction.

Based on feedback received and suggestions made by a number of those respondents against the initial proposal, the Council considered that there was sufficient support from the local area to reconsider the proposals. Additional work was undertaken to determine whether improvements could be made to the junction of Hampton Hill High Street with Park Road to improve capacity and reduce congestion on its approaches. It was found that improving the approach lanes through the removal of some on-street parking spaces and some minor kerb-line alterations would have a positive effect on traffic flow through the junction. Details can be seen here.

At a meeting of the Transport and Air Quality Services Committee on the 10^th March   2020 and after full consideration of the comments received in response to the consultation, it was agreed that the Council would not proceed with the proposed package of measures at this time but would reconsult the same area to seek views on Options 1-4 below: 

1. The package of ‘at any time’ physical measures as previously consulted on, but with the addition of the proposed changes to the lane widths and lengths at the High Street/Park Road junction to help to mitigate some of the effects of displaced traffic. View plan here
2. 7am to 10am (Eastbound only) Monday to Friday restrictions, preventing access through Burtons Road, Albert Road and Links View Road, with proposed changes to the lane widths and lengths at the High Street/Park Road junction to help to mitigate some of the effects of displaced traffic. View plan here
3. 7am to 10am (Eastbound only) and 4-7pm (Westbound only) Monday to Friday restrictions, preventing access through Burtons Road, Albert Road and Links View Road, with the proposed changes to the lane widths and lengths at the High Street/Park Road junction to help to mitigate some of the effects of displaced traffic. View plan here
4. Do nothing

The feedback from the initial consultation also highlighted that residents would like to see improved crossings, on Park Road in the vicinity of St. James Road and St James. Avenue. There are existing traffic islands at both junctions, but these could potentially be upgraded to a zebra crossing. We are also asking for your views on this within the consultation.

Due to the current pandemic, we had delayed this further consultation during the lockdown period. However, we are now acting in response to the Government’s call for urgent action to be taken to help offset the reduction in public transport arising from the need to support social distancing.  The Government believes that this should be achieved first and foremost through encouraging more walking and cycling. Fast-tracking the development of a high-quality London-wide cycle network is seen as paramount in enabling London to reopen while still enabling essential trips, such as deliveries and servicing, to be undertaken by car. The measures outlined in this letter will help to promote cycling and walking across this residential area.

Your views

Please give us your views by completing the online survey below. If you require a paper copy of the questionnaire, please call Lisa Fenn on 0208 487 5294 or email trafficandengineering@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

What happens next

Council officers and your ward councillors will carefully consider the feedback from the consultation and this will form a key part of the decision-making process. If it is decided to take forward one of the first three options, we will implement this via an experimental traffic order, which will allow us to trial this option and invite further views before a permanent decision is made.