Agenda item

Report ES13094

In 2008 the Congestion Working Group identified the junction of Heathfield Road and Westerham Road as a congestion “pinch point”. Report ES13094 highlighted traffic count data for vehicles passing through the junction between 1^st and 7^th July 2013 and also provided accident data for both the junction and wider area, including ‘chicken farm bend’.

A scheme was proposed to assist traffic flow through the junction, particularly vehicles travelling south from Heathfield Road to Westerham Road. It was suggested that a formal three-arm roundabout could have a positive impact by reducing vehicle speeds on the approach to and exit from the junction, and in particular the speed of vehicles travelling south towards ’chicken farm bend’ (between Heathfield Road and Downe Road). Reduced vehicle speeds would also assist pedestrians travelling between the three bus stops at the location, as well as the car park on Heathfield Road. A dedicated tactile crossing was also proposed to further assist pedestrians crossing Heathfield Road.

Councillor Ruth Bennett as a Ward Member for Bromley Common and Keston addressed the Committee. Although the report was headed “Congestion Relief Scheme”, she felt there was a lot in the report about reducing speeds. She presumed that consultation on the scheme would include local residents associations e.g. Keston Village Residents Association. She also advocated a wider consultation in view of the green and wooded nature of the area.

Councillor Bennett indicated that Resident Associations and others in the Keston area were concerned that the proposed scheme would increase traffic, much of which was related to the school in the area. She felt that motorists should be encouraged to remain on the A223 (rather than travel along Heathfield Road to reach the A232). It was necessary to look at the broader area.

Councillor Bennett was not convinced the scheme would assist in reducing traffic speeds other than at the approach to the proposed roundabout. She hoped that concerns would be taken into account when deciding on the scheme; it was necessary to look at the impact on a broader area rather than the junction. It was unlikely the scheme would be supported in a consultation. 

Councillor Carr, as a ward Member, had also emailed the Chairman with concerns for the scheme, including an increase in traffic through Keston village.

The Head of Traffic and Road Safety explained that a roundabout design was the best way for slowing traffic and relieving traffic queues. The junction was listed for congestion relief and the opportunity could be taken to deal with safety issues. Best value was obtained by reducing accidents and congestion at the same time.

Officers had looked at traffic flows and most cars travelling along Heathfield Road from the West Wickham area do not turn right on to Westerham Road towards Biggin Hill. There was already a lot of congestion caused by the junction at Keston Mark and with less traffic through Keston village there would be more traffic on the A232. The Head of Traffic and Road Safety felt that traffic through Keston village would not increase as a result of the scheme. He agreed that speeds would only reduce on approach to the roundabout but that was probably all that could be achieved along Heathfield Road to reduce speeds.

Councillor Grainger suggested that the main congestion was from southbound traffic along Heathfield Road to Westerham Road. For an improvement in safety and amenity, he suggested a reduction in traffic having to travel along Fishponds Road. He also considered the bends along Westerham Road to be a significant issue, suggesting attention to the camber of the bends. Councillor Grainger broadly supported the scheme but felt that it should proceed with care and attention. He was unclear why it could be expected that the amount of traffic would increase (through Keston village).

Councillor Ruth Bennett indicated that there was little residential development along Fishponds Road. As it is narrow, traffic travels slowly; she did not see Fishponds Road as an issue.

The Vice-Chairman felt that careful consideration should be given to who should be consulted. She suggested that it was necessary to go further afield and take account of those travelling through Keston village e.g. those travelling to Hayes or West Wickham from Orpington. It was necessary to ensure that consultation and data is as effective as possible. Councillor Grainger supported the Vice-Chairman’s views; the scheme had some merits and he supported it going to consultation provided it was thorough. Councillor Jefferys also supported a wider consultation.

Councillor Ruth Bennett was content to support consultation but doubted it would show public support from ward residents. The general feeling was to dissuade traffic from travelling along Heathfield Road and to keep it to the main road. Councillor Grainger suggested some research on why it was felt there would be more traffic through the village. For consultation, he suggested that residents be asked to indicate where extra traffic might be coming from rather than provide a tick box response. Councillor Ruth Bennett supported residents providing comments.

In conclusion, it was agreed to support recommendation 2.1 of Report ES13094 but not recommendation 2.2. Instead, it was agreed to proceed with consultation and bring the outcome back to Committee before taking the scheme forward in view of wider interests. 

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve for consultation the proposed congestion relief scheme set out at paragraph 3.9 of Report ES13094, and as shown on drawing number 11473-01, with the outcome reported back in view of the wider interests across the area.