Fishponds Area – Trial Low Traffic Neighbourhood

Overview

As part of the Covid-19 response, the council is temporarily introducing trial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in the Beechcroft Road, Fishponds Road and Graveney area. A drawing of these schemes 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An ETO can be amended or withdrawn at any time.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 schemes 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 trial LTNs in the area sits within the context of an adjacent similar LTN scheme over at Tooting Commons. Additionally, Transport for London are trialling measures on the A24 intended to bring further traffic benefits to this area.

Have your say

The planned LTN scheme around the Fishponds Road area will go live from week commencing 17th August 2020. Please refer to the drawing here to see specific restrictions.

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 Council is keen to hear the views of local residents and businesses throughout the trial period. The trial is due to commence on 17^th August 2020 and feedback can be submitted via the 'Your comments' link below.

If you require a paper copy of the survey or a different language/format, please contact SocialDistancing@wandsworth.gov.uk with Fishponds LTN in the subject line.