Agenda item

Report ES17078

Identified as a congestion issue of medium severity by the Committee’s Congestion Working Group in 2009, options had been investigated to reduce congestion and aid traffic movement at the junction of Station Road with Beckenham Road, Red Lodge Road and Ravenscourt Crescent, West Wickham. Traffic volume had increased since 2009. 

Following extensive traffic modelling, junction realignment and safety audit, two possible options were selected comprising Option A with various alterations to the junction (drawing no. 12376-102 appended to Report ES17078) and Option B with various alterations to the junction along with a ban of right turn movements from Beckenham Road into Ravenswood Crescent (drawing no. 12376-101 appended to Report ES17078). Details of the two schemes and alterations were outlined along with details of existing traffic flow at the junction and modelling representing current operations at the junction and results for Options A and B (capturing a typical weekday morning peak flow i.e. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.).

In light of the information provided, Option A was recommended. Although Option B presented a slightly better traffic flow, it was considered that the necessity to ban right turn movements from Beckenham Road into Ravenswood Crescent posed too many potential negative implications e.g. increased delays at the Station Road/A232 junction.

It was also proposed to improve access to West Wickham station as a secondary aspect of the project, including dropped kerbs and a refuge close to the width restrictions on Red Lodge Road and widening the footway to form a shared facility with cyclists on Beckenham Road. The project also aimed to deliver some public realm benefits to help revitalise the shopping parade and improve the local streetscape.

Estimated to cost £300k, the scheme would be funded from the LIP budget for Congestion Relief 2017/18. Any additional costs to maintain the improved traffic signals over the next ten years would be capitalised within the overall scheme cost.

Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP attended the meeting for this item representing West Wickham Ward Councillors. Cllr Bennett supported

Option A.

Taking extra (private) land to further improve the scheme i.e. provide sufficient width for a dedicated right turn lane from Beckenham Road was not considered viable due to cost (of the land). Cllr Bennett asked for details of the cost to be passed to West Wickham Ward Members. Using CPO powers to purchase private land could be investigated although extra costs might be added to the scheme. In recommendations to the Portfolio Holder, it was agreed to reflect the scheme cost being varied by plus or minus 30% to cover any CPO consideration. London Buses were also making a contribution to the cost of the scheme. The Chairman suggested that the consideration of a CPO to enhance the scheme should not, however, delay the scheme should it be concluded that the process would take many months.

Cllr Bennett was pleased the scheme included an informal crossing (tactile dropped kerbs and refuge) in Red Lodge Road. Cllr Bennett also suggested public consultation on the scheme by way of a small exhibition in the foyer of West Wickham Leisure Centre. The opportunity would be taken to remove unnecessary street clutter and bollards and there would be much for public comment; no consultation would be a retrograde measure, particular in view of consultation afforded to yellow line parking control. A two-week consultation period was considered sufficient. Supporting consultation, another Member suggested it would be inappropriate to “pick and choose” schemes for consultation - consultation would also give advance information of what was being proposed.

The Head of Traffic and Road Safety confirmed that consultation could be arranged in the Leisure Centre with an officer present to answer questions. The consultation would be for a short period and to avoid it being delayed the Chairman suggested its style be more like a notification.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

(1)  approve Option A allowing modification of the traffic signal junction at an estimated cost of £300k, plus or minus 30% should any compulsory purchase of private land be required; and

(2)  delegate the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services with authority, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and Ward Members, to approve the scheme’s detailed design.