Teddington Lock and Riverside Drive

Overview

The consultation document was sent out to a catchment area of 200 households. More detailed plans were available at Ham Library and on the Council website.

What happens next

This consultation had a good response. There was detailed feedback (see the schedule of comments) from the seven local amenity groups and many of the 20 residents who responded.

All seven local Amenity Groups are in favour of both schemes and are extremely positive about the scheme detail. Of the 20 residents who replied to the consultation, 13 were in favour of the scheme and 1 resident did not fill in this section but the comments were positive. Upgrading Teddington Lock with granite setts and tree planting as well as improving the security along the towpath has been very positively received. Six residents had some issues with the scheme. They relate to aspects of the Riverside Drive scheme and not to the Teddington Lock scheme. The reasons are given below.

There were four concerns which were raised about Riverside Drive which we have addressed below as well as in the schedule. These are:

1. The narrowing of the road and current speeding, "creating greater speed on a road used for joyriding." "Why widen the pavement?" "Consider installing speed humps."

Very large carriage widths like Riverside Drive actually encourage vehicles to speed. There were comments from respondents on this problem. It is proven that reducing the carriageway width will reduces speeds which makes the road less dangerous for all users. A reduced carriageway width will also reduce the long term maintenance costs of carriageway repairs.

2. "Parking problems caused by footballers parking on curb will be worse."

The scheme should not have an adverse effect on local traffic or parking along this route.

3. "Why not just repair the footpaths."

It is the duty of the council to consider long term rather than short term solutions. This route is part of a strategic Sustainable Travel network. With the increased frequency of towpath flooding it will provide a dry route the footfall (both pedestrians and cyclists) will increase. This issue is being addressed with the new heritage sealed gravel surface and two-way cycle lane.

4. Funding

The Council has part funded this scheme (from the budget earmarked for environmental upgrading in Ham). Most of the scheme has been funded through external funders (such as Transport for London, Smarter Travel and Section 106 funds).

What has happened as a result?

It is hoped that the issues are addressed in the comments schedule - which provides a list of all comments and officer responses to all comments made about both schemes.

There were also suggestions made and some queries. Some of the suggestions have now been included in the scheme. This has been noted in the comments schedule.