Issue - meetings

Report ES14040

The Portfolio Holder was asked to approve funding for the development of a proposal to improve the A222 across Chislehurst Common. The Congestion Working Group had referred to the Chislehurst Common section of the A222 as a congestion pinch point, with congestion particularly occurring during morning and afternoon peaks.

Anecdotal evidence suggested that many drivers cut through the Common using either Ashfield Lane/Prince Imperial Road or Royal Parade/Watts Lane, to avoid the War Memorial junction in particular.

To address the issue,  a “land swap” was proposed with a single carriageway road between Heathfield Lane and Prince Imperial Road/Centre Common Road, replacing lesser used roads across the common. Land could be returned to the Common significantly improving its amenity. The precise location of the replacement road and any designs would be subject to discussion with the Commons Conservators and other stakeholders.

Four junctions on the A222  with the worst congestion were being considered for improvement subject to a traffic survey before decisions are taken on which (if any) junctions should be improved. It was necessary to undertake origin-destination surveys as well as volume and turning counts.

Informal discussions had taken place with Ward Members, Commons Conservators and the Chislehurst Society. All were supportive of the plans being developed further.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve the allocation of up to £60k of LIP funding to develop the proposals for improvements on the A222.