Introduction of social distancing measures on Queenstown Road

Overview

Queenstown Road is an important cycling corridor and carries some of the highest numbers of cyclists in the borough. With more people expected to return to our roads soon, we are introducing interim measures to upgrade the existing cycle infrastructure along Queenstown Road between Chelsea Bridge and Lavender Hill. These measures will provide more space for cyclists and improve the safety of the existing provision 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. The cycle measures are available to view online here.

The required changes on Queenstown Road include:

• Extending existing bus lane operating hours to 24/7
• Upgrading existing single yellow lines to double yellow lines
• Removal of 5 parking bays by Bus Stop Q, opposite 14 - 20
• Removal of 5 parking bays outside 41a - 41b
• Removal of 8 parking bays outside 36 - 48
• Adding a loading bay on Stanley Grove adjacent to 41b Queenstown Road
• Converting 4 spaces of existing 'pay and display' parking bay into a loading bay in Queenstown road outside 35-41
• Removal of a traffic island outside 178 Queenstown Road

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An ETO can be amended or withdrawn at any time.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 on Monday 17^th August and are expected to be completed by Friday 28^th August, weather permitting. The ETO will come into force on Monday 17^th August.

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

Wandsworth Council is beginning design work on proposals for a permanent scheme for Queenstown Road that will eventually replace the temporary scheme. This will be a more comprehensive project in which stepped cycle tracks could be introduced along much of Queenstown Road and facilities are improved for pedestrians and bus users.

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 this autumn 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. If you have any comments or queries regarding the measures, please submit these via 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.