Introduction of social distancing measures on Garratt Lane (Wimbledon Road to Tooting High Street)

Overview

With more people expected to return to our roads soon, we are introducing interim cycle infrastructure measures along Garratt Lane. The route is an important cycling corridor and carries some of the highest numbers of cyclists in the borough. These measures will provide more space for cyclists and improve the safety as part of Wandsworth Council’s wider Covid-19 response. The scheme makes best use of existing bus lanes, and where possible, segregated cycle lanes will be provided using wands on the carriageway to separate cyclists and vehicles.

A plan of the proposed changes can be seen here.

The required changes include:

• Extending existing Bus Lane operating hours to 24/7
• Upgrading existing single yellow lines to double yellow lines
• Removal redundant disabled bay near Moreton House
• Provide one mandatory disabled parking bay outside 331
• Provide two mandatory disabled parking bays near the cemetery entrance, close to Bus Stop “SK”
• Provide two traffic islands at the bend near Garratt Terrace. This will help both regulate and reduce vehicle approach speed in both directions.
• Removal of 26 parking bays outside Streatham Cemetery
• Removal of 7 parking bays opposite Smallwood Road
• Removal of 17 parking bays outside Bellamy House
• Removal of 4 parking bays outside 981-987
• Removal of 12 parking bays outside 1025-1053

Improvements to previously installed cycle facilities between Allfarthing Lane and Swaffield Road:

• Provide 1-hour free parking and no return in 2 hours between the hours of 10am and 6pm, Monday – Saturday on the side roads between Allfarthing Lane and Swaffield Road:
  • 4 parking bays on Delia Street
  • 4 parking bays on Treport Street
  • 4 parking bays on Aslett Street

The measures will be delivered 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.

The installation works are scheduled to commence week commencing Monday 22nd February, weather permitting and the ETO will come into force on this date.

What will happen at the end of the Experimental Traffic Order?

Wandsworth Council is beginning design work on proposals for a permanent scheme for Garratt Lane that will eventually replace the temporary scheme. This will be a more comprehensive project in which kerb line alterations could be introduced along much of Garratt Lane to further improve cycle and pedestrian facilities whilst reducing the impact on parking and improving the public realm.

This future work will also aim to address any concerns arising from the temporary scheme, and we welcome suggestions for improvements. The Council will be hosting drop-in sessions in the new year to discuss the project. Sessions will be advertised in advance on the Council website, social media and in letters to local residents and businesses.

Have your say

The Council is keen to hear the views of local residents and businesses throughout the temporary scheme, by clicking on the 'your comments' link below.  

If you require a paper copy of the survey or a different language/format, please contact Mena Bhatia on 020 8487 5338.