Issue - meetings

ES20080

The Assistant Director for Traffic and Parking explained that the report had been generated to put forward options to improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the junction where Scott’s Lane and Downs Bridge Road crossed Bromley Road. This was a location where accidents had occurred for many years; most of these accidents had been non-serious but a few were serious. This particular location had been on a list for possible safety scheme improvements for some time. Members had asked officers to look into the possibility of what could be done, because this area was on the periphery of the Shortlands Liveable Neighbourhood, and therefore funding was available from TfL for improvement works to be undertaken. The Assistant Director felt that in the main, Ward Members were supportive of the application, although he was aware that they  had their own comments and suggestions to put forward.

The report suggested that a mini roundabout be installed at the junction, and this would therefore mean that traffic would have to reduce speed, thus minimising the risk of accidents and avoiding injuries. Members had also asked officers to consider what could be done for the benefit of pedestrians, as many pedestrians crossed in that area. The Assistant Director informed the Committee that current pedestrian counts were not available due to the Covid 19 lockdown and so therefore the pedestrian counts had to be estimated.

However, pre-existing vehicle counts were available which could be taken into consideration. It was felt that a refuge was needed for the deflection of traffic on the mini roundabout. The Assistant Director explained that it may also be possible to install a zebra crossing for the benefit of pedestrians. So various options were being considered in the report, and it was hoped that the Committee could feedback to the Portfolio Holder before he made his final decision on how to proceed and which option should be implemented.

A Member (who was also a Ward Councillor) explained that the Ward Councillors had been campaigning for changes at this location for some time and so he was delighted that a scheme was being planned. He said that the Ward Councillors, (broadly speaking), were in favour of the recommendations of the report. However, the Ward Councillors felt strongly that the 227 bus shelter should be re-located. It was felt that if the bus shelter stayed where it was, it would hold up traffic--which was likely to tail back to the roundabout. It was suggested that the bus shelter be moved further forward and that this should be costed in to the plans.

The Member (and Ward Councillor) addressed the matter of whether or not a refuge should be installed—or a pedestrian crossing. He preferred the option to install a pedestrian crossing, as he felt that this would have a more calming effect on the traffic flow. He stated that he was sceptical as to the value of the cost benefit analysis undertaken. He concluded by saying that the recommendation of the Ward  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96