Tooting Commons Area – Trial Low Traffic Neighbourhood

Overview

Further to the Council’s recent letter to local residents regarding a trial Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN), the Council received a significant volume of comments related to the scheme. The comments have been considered and the trial scheme has been amended. Drawings of the revised design for the scheme can be viewed here.

The proposed measures are in response to Government guidance and Transport for London’s call for Local Authorities to make temporary and immediate measures to reallocate road space to people walking and cycling, both to encourage active travel and to enable social distancing. The Council has secured funding from the London Streetspace Plan (LSP) to deliver Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the borough via an Experimental Traffic Order (ETO).

What is an Experimental Traffic Order?

ETOs are used to deliver immediate and short-term measures that require monitoring and further review, giving the Council the opportunity to trial measures.

The scheme could only be made permanent via a Permanent Traffic Order following a formal decision by the Council’s Strategic Planning and Transportation Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Whilst there is no requirement for formal consultation in advance of introducing the temporary measures, there is a statutory 6-month period following implementation whereby anyone may comment in writing and all comments must be considered

An ETO can be amended or withdrawn at any time. The Council will monitor the trial scheme and review the data collected. The Council then has the option to make amendments to the scheme during the trial period to improve its effectiveness. 

Benefits of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

LTNs are designed to make streets more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists as well as reduce cut-through traffic on residential roads. The introduction of a trial LTN in the Tooting Commons area sits within the context of adjacent similar LTN schemes such as Beechcroft Road, Fishponds Road, and Graveney. Additionally, Transport for London are trialling measures on the A24 intended to bring further traffic benefits to this area. 

The planned LTN scheme around Tooting Commons will go live from week commencing 10^th August 2020 and will entail:

•  No restrictions on northbound traffic on Dr Johnson Avenue
• Point of No Entry on Dr Johnson Avenue to southbound traffic (except cycles)
• A planter on the Bushnell Rd/Elmbourne Rd junction
• A closure on the Elmbourne Rd/Tooting Bec Road junction
• A diagonal diverter on the Elmbourne Rd/Manville Rd junction
• Cycle access through all areas, including the planter, closure and diverter above

The local ward Councillors and the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning & Transportation support the trial going ahead but emphasise that this is a trial. Real-life evidence and resident feedback will be collected and reviewed before any conclusions on the scheme are reached.

The temporary bus diversion route on Ritherdon Road is a separate issue on which we are currently working with TfL to find a solution that fits the wider package of measures in this part of the borough. The buses will be restored to their normal routes by the end of August. Please see below for an overview timeline for changes in the area:

Have your say

The Council is keen to hear the views of local residents and businesses throughout the trial period. The trial is due to commence on 10^th August 2020 and feedback can be submitted via the 'Your comments' link below.

If you require a paper copy of the survey or have any questions about this proposal, please contact Tim Addlesee at SocialDistancing@wandsworth.gov.uk