Proposed changes to a parking bay on Road

Consultation Summary

In September 2014 Transport for (TfL) consulted on a proposal to remove a parking bay on Eltham Road close to the Park Road / Sidcup Road junction. We also stated that we would like to correctly indicate a red route (TfL road network) in the area.

We proposed to remove the parking bay because it can create a barrier to traffic trying to access a nearby petrol station and is positioned in a way that may interfere with traffic trying to turn left at the junction, especially at busy times.

We received 16 responses to the consultation, all of which were submitted online. 11 responses were in favour of removing the bay. Four responses objected to the removal and one response stated they were not sure. One respondent was against the replacing of white lines with red lines to indicate the red route, but in support of the parking bay removal. .

The reasons for supporting or opposing the proposals are summarised below:

Issue raised Quantity Support: busy junction; easier/safer access to petrol station 5 Support: also remove the larger parking bay to the east of the vehicle crossover – causes queuing traffic 1 Support for parking bay removal only. Oppose double red lines as they will limit parking space in the area 1 Oppose: this is a convenient parking bay 1 Oppose: unless petrol station agrees 1 Concerns about consultation process (but support removal of bay) 1

We also asked for any additional comments, and these are summarised below:

Comments Quantity

Welcome all road safety improvements in borough 2 Comments about Studley Drive 1 Don't see the issue with accessing the petrol station; no different from other petrol stations 1 Improve cycling facilities in this area 1 Paint other parking bay with red line too 1 Look at parking elsewhere, eg Lee High Road between the Lidl supermarket and the Clock Tower 1

Our decision

Having considered all the responses we received, we have decided to go ahead with our proposals. The resurfacing of the road which will see the white lines replaced with red lines is due to take place in April 2015, although this is dependent on coordination with other resurfacing and utility works in the area. The removal of the parking bay will take place during the summer.

TfL Response to Issues Raised

Below are our responses to the key issues raised:

This is a convenient parking bay.

We believe the convenience of this parking bay is outweighed by the fact it can, at times, hinder traffic trying to access the petrol station or traffic trying to turn left at the junction.

The double red lines will limit parking in the area. Residents should not be prohibited from parking across the entrance to their driveways which at times could be useful.

The relevant legislation states that no one is permitted to park in front of a dropped kerb so we are not limiting parking opportunities, just correctly indicating that this section of road is part of the road network (red route). In addition we believe there is sufficient parking available on Eltham Road.

Improve cycling facilities in this area, eg enable cyclists to travel through the adjacent A20/A210/A2213 when it is blocked by queuing motor traffic.

Unfortunately this is outside the scope of this consultation, but these comments have been noted and will be considered as part of any future schemes in the area.