Cycle Superhighway 8 Upgrade at the junction of Grosvenor Road

Response to Consultation December 2015

Cycle Superhighway 8 Upgrade Chelsea Bridge at the junction of Grosvenor Road

Response to Consultation Published December 2015

Executive summary

Between 9 February and 20 March 2015, we consulted on improvements at Chelsea Bridge at the junction of Grosvenor Road as part of an upgrade to Cycle Superhighway 8. We received 73 responses to the consultation – 6 from stakeholders and 67 from members of the public. 52 (or 71%) of all respondents stated support or partial support for our proposals to introduce a two-stage right turn at the junction of Chelsea Bridge with Grosvenor Road.

After considering all responses, we plan to proceed with the scheme to:

 Provide a new two-stage right turn facility for cyclists travelling on CS8. Right-turning cyclists will now wait in a marked waiting area on the road until they receive a green signal to cross the junction. This new safety feature will remove the need for right-turning cyclists to move across lanes of traffic, allowing cyclists to turn right more safely from Chelsea Bridge into Grosvenor Road

 Re-mark traffic lanes on on the approach to the junction to provide dedicated lanes for traffic travelling ahead, turning left and turning right

 Provide mandatory cycle lanes on both the approach to and exit from Grosvenor Road

 Re-surface all of the junction to provide a smoother surface for all road users

Additionally, we will install a cycle track at footway level on the exit to Chelsea Embankment to provide a safer route for westbound cyclists.

Subject to final discussions with key stakeholders, including the relevant boroughs, we expect to begin works in early 2016. We will write to local residents and affected properties before work starts to provide a summary of this consultation, an overview of the updated proposals and an outline of the construction programme. We will also continue to raise awareness of the new two-stage right turn facility at the junction of Chelsea Bridge with Grosvenor Road. To view an animation of the two-stage right turn, please visit tfl.gov.uk/cycling

This document explains the processes, responses and outcomes of the recent consultation, and sets out our response to issues commonly raised.

Contents

1 Background ...... 1 2 The consultation ...... 3 3 Overview of consultation responses ...... 4 4 The Chelsea Bridge consultation questionnaire ...... 7 5 Responses from statutory bodies and other stakeholders ...... 10 6 Conclusion ...... 12 Appendix A – Response to issues raised ...... 13 Appendix B – Copy of the consultation map and letter ...... 15 Appendix C – Letter distribution area ...... 18 Appendix D – List of stakeholders consulted ...... 19 Appendix E – Email sent to stakeholders ...... 22

1 Background The Mayor's Vision for Cycling, launched in March 2013, contains an ambitious target to double the number of people cycling in Greater over the next decade. To achieve this growth, Transport for London (TfL) is planning a far-reaching programme of cycling provision to make the capital’s streets more attractive for cycling to more people, especially those groups currently under-represented among cyclists, including women, young people and older people.

Cycle Superhighways are TfL’s flagship cycling programme and aim to provide a London-wide network of direct and high-capacity cycle routes, mostly along main roads. The Superhighways provide safe, comfortable and convenient journeys for anyone on a bicycle and essential links between London’s suburbs and the city centre and for shorter journeys in-between.

TfL is working closely with cycling, road user and community groups, the Royal Borough of and Chelsea, and the Metropolitan Police, amongst others, to review and improve cycling provision on Cycle Superhighway Route 8 (CS8), first launched in 2011. As part of this work, we have developed proposals to improve safety at the Chelsea Bridge / Grosvenor Road junction.

We consulted on these proposals between 9 February 2015 and 20 March 2015. This report summarises the public consultation and responses received. It also sets out TfL’s plans following consultation and its response to issues commonly raised.

1.1 Purpose of the scheme As part of the Mayor’s Vision for Cycling published in spring 2013, TfL is undertaking a programme of improvements along the 4 existing Cycle Superhighway routes which have been implemented to date.

We are proposing to make changes to the junction to allow cyclists to turn right more safely from Chelsea Bridge into Grosvenor Road.

1.2 Description of the proposals The proposals put out for consultation included:

 Providing a new two-stage right turn facility for cyclists travelling on CS8. This new safety feature would remove the need for right-turning cyclists to move across lanes of traffic, allowing cyclists to turn right more safely from Chelsea Bridge into Grosvenor Road

 Re-marking traffic lanes on Chelsea Embankment on the approach to the junction to provide dedicated lanes for traffic travelling ahead, turning left and turning right

 Providing mandatory cycle lanes on both the approach to and exit from Grosvenor Road

 Re-surfacing all of the junction to provide a smoother surface for all road users 1

1.3 Overview map

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2 The consultation

The consultation ran between 9 February 2015 and 20 March 2015. It was designed to help TfL understand local and stakeholder opinion about the proposals in order to make a well-informed decision.

The objectives of the consultation were:  To understand any issues that might affect the proposals of which we were previously unaware  To understand concerns and objections  To allow respondents to make suggestions

2.1 Who we consulted We wrote to a number of local people and key stakeholders including:

 Local households and businesses in the vicinity of the scheme area (see Appendix C for details of consultation letter distribution)  Key stakeholders such as traffic police, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, local councillors, local interest and road user groups. A list of the stakeholders consulted is shown in Appendix D. A summary of their responses is in Section 5.

2.2 Consultation material, distribution and publicity Consultation material was available at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/chelsea- bridge, via post and email. Materials included an overview letter and a drawing which described and illustrated the proposals. We invited people to respond via an online survey on the TfL website or by email to [email protected].

We promoted the consultation through multiple channels:

Email: We emailed 141 stakeholders. An email describing the proposals was sent to stakeholders listed in Appendix D. The email is shown in Appendix E.

Letter: We distributed a consultation letter and drawing to 196 local households and businesses within the scheme area highlighted in Appendix C. A copy of the letter and drawing are shown in Appendix B.

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3 Overview of consultation responses

3.1 Background questions The consultation received 73 responses in total. 6 were from stakeholders and 67 responses were from members of the public. 66 of the responses were submitted online via the TfL Consultations website and 7 by email.

Table 1: Type of responses received

Type of response

Online questionnaire 66

Email 7 Total received 73

We asked respondents how they heard about the consultation:

Table 2: How did you hear about the consultation?

How did you hear about the consultation? Through social media 28 Received an email from TfL 15 Not answered 12 Saw an advert on the TfL website 11 Other 7 Total 73

3.2 Identification questions

3.2.1 Description of how respondents using Chelsea Bridge at the junction of Grosvenor Road We asked respondents how they used the junction. Respondents were able to select more than one option for this question. The majority (72%) of the responses came from people who cycle through the junction.

Table 3: How respondents describe themselves

How respondents described themselves As a cyclist 52 As a pedestrian 32 As a bus passenger 18 As a motorist 14 Not answered 7 Other 3

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3.2.2 Response by postcode Of the 67 respondents from members of the public, 62 supplied postcode information. The table below shows the consultation responses by postcode.

Table 4: Consultation responses by postcode

What is your postcode? SW11 5 SW18 3 SW1V 3 NW6 2 SE5 2 SE11 2 SE24 2 SW13 2 SW19 2 SW6 2 SW7 2 W11 2 BR7 1 E14 1 E2 1 E5 1 EN8 1 G61 1 HA4 1 N16 1 NW3 1 SE1 1 SE13 1 SE16 1 SE20 1 SM1 1 SM6 1 SN3 1

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SW10 1

SW12 1 SW14 1

SW16 1 SW1P 1

SW1W 1 SW2 1

SW20 1 SW8 1

SW9 1 TW12 1

TW4 1 TW9 1

W14 1 W4 1

W9 1 YO24 1

Total answered 62

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4 The Chelsea Bridge consultation questionnaire

4.1 Analysis of the comments provided to the Chelsea Bridge consultation questionnaire The online questionnaire consisted of two questions. Respondents were asked about their level of support for the proposal to introduce a two-stage right turn at the junction of Chelsea Bridge with Grosvenor Road, and invited to leave comments about the proposals as a whole.

The report considers the total number of respondents for each question as being the number of people who answered the closed question.

4.2 The overall proposals for improvements to Chelsea Bridge This section summarises public responses to the question ‘Do you support our proposals to introduce a ‘two-stage right turn’ at the junction of Chelsea Bridge with Grosvenor Road?’

Table 5: Summary table of support for introducing a ‘two-stage right turn’ at the junction of Chelsea Bridge with Grosvenor Road

Do you support our proposal to introduce a ‘two-stage right turn’ at the junction of Chelsea Bridge with Grosvenor Road? Yes 30 Partially 22 Yes and partial 52

No 17 Not answered 4 Total 73

A total of 11 respondents gave a postcode that sits within the four postcode districts that cover and surround Chelsea Bridge (SW1, SW3, SW8, SW11). Six supported the proposal, three partially supported, one did not support and one did not answer.

Do you have any comments about our proposals? 60 respondents left comments to the online questionnaire. These can be categorised as follows:

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Road safety:  11 respondents expressed concern about overall safety at the junction under the proposals

 8 respondents cited a left-hook risk at the junction

 5 respondents made general supportive comments

Two-stage right turn:  8 respondents expressed opposition to the two-stage right turn, with six of them citing lack of safety is a reason

 6 respondents suggested that there would be an excessive delay for cyclists performing a right turn in this way and that many would turn right as they do now

 5 respondents made a comment that the proposals would cause confusion if implemented

 6 respondents expressed support for the two-stage right turn, with four of them citing improved safety as a reason

Early start:  11 respondents suggested that an early start or separate signal phase for cyclists would be preferable to a two-stage right turn

Cycle lane:  10 respondents expressed a desire for more segregation along CS8

 8 respondents expressed support for the mandatory cycle lanes, with four of them citing improved safety as a reason

Other comments made by more than one respondent:  5 respondents requested more detail about the proposals and their impact  3 respondents expressed concern about delays to motor traffic, including bus routes  2 respondents commented that the proposal doesn’t prioritise cycles enough over other forms of transport  2 respondents expressed support for the deeper advanced stop lines  2 respondents made a suggestion about the advanced stop lines  2 respondents commented that the proposals would be a waste of money  2 respondents expressed concern about cycle lanes occasionally not being available  2 respondents requested that toucan crossings should be straight across with no wait in the middle  2 respondents requested better signage 8

 2 respondents requested a ‘simultaneous green’ facility  2 respondents stated that cyclists should be allowed on the bridge pavement  2 respondents made a suggestion about traffic light phasing

Our response to the most common issues raised is provided in Appendix A.

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5 Responses from statutory bodies and other stakeholders

Table 6: Summary of responses received by statutory bodies and stakeholders

Do not support the proposals. Feel that the proposed layout will be excessively confusing to those unfamiliar with the area. Alliance of British Drivers Cited a danger to cyclists turning right into Grosvenor Road, and delay to eastbound traffic.

Support the main proposal but concerned about the lack of provision for cyclists Kensington and Chelsea – London turning right into . Cycling Campaign Suggest improving the crossing on Chelsea Bridge Road to complement the one on Grosvenor Road.

Believe that many cyclists will ignore the new right turn facility and continue their current right turning practice. Also believe that many cyclists will use the eastbound left London Taxi Drivers Association turn lane on Chelsea Embankment rather than the ahead lane. Concerned about the impact on traffic flows caused by the reduction of eastbound traffic lanes.

Recognise the benefits which the proposed changes will bring but would like to see detailed traffic modelling, alongside planned mitigation plans. State that traffic management orders should not impede on London Fire Brigade their core service delivery. For the construction phase, they would like to know details alongside planned mitigation. Road layout changes could mean a negligible impact on attendance times.

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State that the proposal addresses several issues they are aware of. Believe there is some risk of conflict between cyclists coming off the bridge and left-turning traffic. With the proposed scheme, this will apply to cyclists turning right as well as those Cycling Campaign continuing straight ahead. There is little assistance for eastbound cyclists approaching junction from Albert Embankment. State that it is still not possible to turn right from Grosvenor Road into Chelsea Bridge Road. This restriction affects the 360 bus as well as cyclists.

Supportive of the aims of the proposed improvements but expressed concern about reduced traffic capacity and safety of two Thames Water stage right turn. Stated that one of their Thames Tunnel sites is close to the junction and is in development. Thames Water supplied TfL with details.

Welcomed the principle of assisting cyclists to make the right turn, which is currently not easy for less confident cyclists. Expressed concerns about the size of the two-stage right turn sign and its visual impact on the Royal Borough of Kensington and listed structure and use of blue paint on the Chelsea bridge. Concerned about the traffic impact from the road layout changes and the safety of straight –on eastbound cyclists, who would need to move out of the nearside lane.

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6 Conclusion

52 respondents to the consultation stated that they supported or partially supported TfL’s proposals to introduce a two-stage right turn at the junction of Chelsea Bridge with Grosvenor Road. Having considered the issues raised in consultation, we have decided to proceed with the scheme. The design will be as set out in the consultation documents, with the addition of a cycle track at footway level on the exit to Chelsea Embankment to provide a safer route for westbound cyclists.

Our response to the issues most often raised is provided in Appendix A.

6.1 Next steps We intend to introduce these improvements during the early part of 2016, subject to further discussions with the key stakeholders including relevant boroughs. We will write to local residents and affected properties before work starts to provide a summary of this consultation, an overview of the updated proposals and an outline of the construction programme.

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Appendix A – Response to issues raised

Road safety

Some respondents raised concerns about the overall safety of the junction under the new proposals.

Two-stage right turns are designed to make it safer and easier for cyclists to turn right. Instead of having to cross lanes of moving traffic and then wait in the centre of the junction, cyclist can stay left and complete their right turn in two easier stages. Two-stage right turns have been successfully introduced on Cycle Superhighway 2.

The risk of left hook conflicts here could only be completely eliminated by banning the turns in question. However this would not be feasible considering the impact this would have on local journeys, including bus routes. The design clearly indicates the likely presence of cyclists to motorists through the use of coloured surfacing.

As with all TfL highway schemes of this nature, the design is subject to a rigorous multi- stage Road Safety Audit, both during scheme development and after construction.

Understanding of the two-stage right turn

Several respondents commented that there may be some initial confusion over the introduction of new innovative features such as a two-stage right turns. As well as undertaking a marketing campaign to raise awareness of the new safety features, we will also be working with the Metropolitan Police’s Cycle Safety Team when opened to the public to help users safely navigate and understand the changes.

Two-stage right turn operation

How the two-stage right turns works:

1. A new sign on the approach to the junction will indicate where a two-stage right turn is in operation 2. When you get a green light you should proceed ahead to the marked waiting area and reposition yourself towards the direction you need to go 3. When the signal you are now facing turns to green, you can complete the complete the second stage of your turn. 4. Please note that the two-stage right turn is optional, meaning those cyclists who prefer to turn right in the general traffic flow can continue to do so. However, we believe that the two-stage right turn offers a safe and convenient facility for all cyclists 5. Cyclists and motorists will still need to look out for one another and proceed through the junction with caution.

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For more information and to view an animation of the two-stage right turn, please visit tfl.gov.uk/cycling

Suggestions for an ‘early start’ or separate signal phase for cyclists instead of a two-stage right turn

We considered alternative designs, such as separate signal phases or cycle early-starts. However, this would have an unacceptable impact on journey times through the junction for other road users.

Requests for more segregation on CS8

The design at Chelsea Bridge has been developed as part of a package of measures to improve conditions at certain locations on existing Cycle Superhighways. Full segregation of the route would be beyond the scope of this project.

TfL is spending £913m on cycling over the next 10 years, including a number of segregated Cycle Superhighways, which will complement existing provision such as CS8, which offers a clear and convenient route for cyclists, with large sections of wide, dedicated cycle lanes.

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Appendix B – Copy of the consultation map and letter

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Appendix C – Letter distribution area

It was decided that it would be appropriate to send letters to all residents living in the area that is shaded in light pink within the black border line on the map below.

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Appendix D – List of stakeholders consulted

AA Motoring Trust London Cycling Campaign () Action Disability Kensington & Chelsea London Cycling Campaign (Westminster) London Fire and Emergency Planning Action on Hearing Loss Authority Age Concern London London Older People's Strategy Group Age UK London TravelWatch Alzheimer's Society London Underground Asian Peoples Disabilities Alliance Association Association of British Drivers Metropolitan Police - Community Police Association of Car Fleet Operators Metropolitan Police Society Metropolitian Police Service Residents Association MIND BBC Motorcycle Action Group Residents Association Motorcycle Industry Association Better Transport National Children's Bureau British Motorcyclists Federation National Grid Neighbourcare St John's Wood & Maida BT Vale Campaign for Better Transport New West End Company CCG Central London Northbank BID Organisation of Blind Afro Caribbeans CCG Wandsworth (OBAC) Residents Active Concern On Chelsea Society Transport (PRACT) City of Westminister FREDA Clapham Society Port of London Authority Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Society CTC Putney Town Centre Manager Putney Traffic Transport and Parking Department for Transport Working Group Disability Alliance RADAR London Access Forum Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Raynes Park & West Barnes Residents' Committee Association Residents Society of and St EDF Energy James's Enfield RMT Union Neighbourhood Association RNIB Greater London Authotity Road Haulage Association Royal Borough of Kensington and Greater London Forum for the Elderly Chelsea Green Flag Group Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Royal Mail Hammersmith & Fulham Action on Royal National Institute of Blind People Disability 19

Hammersmith & Fulham Safer Transport Royal Parks Team Harrowby and District Residents Sense Association Heart of London Business Alliance Sixty Plus Hertfordshire County Council Society South East Bayswater Residents House of Commons Association In & Around St Helen's Residents' Association In St John's Wood Society Joint Committee on Mobility of Blind and Stroke Association Partially Sighted People (JCMBPS) Joint Mobility Unit Sustrans Kensington & Chelsea Safer Transport Sutton Centre for Voluntary Sector Team Liberal Democrats Taxi and Private Hire Licenced Taxi Drivers Association Thames Water Living Streets The British Dyslexia Association London Ambulance Service The St Marylebone Society London Borough of Hammersmith & Thorney Island Society Fulham London Borough of Hillingdon Transport for London London Borough of Sutton Unions Together London Borough of Wandsworth Unite Union London City Airport Wandsworth Access Association London Councils Wandsworth Cycling Campaign London Cycling Campaign (Hammersmith Wandsworth Safer Transport Team and Fulham) London Cycling Campaign (Kensington and Chelsea) London Cycling Campaign (Lewisham) Westminster Safer Transport Team

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Members of Parliament Andrew Slaughter MP Greg Hands MP Jane Ellison MP Justine Greening MP Karen Buck MP Malcolm Rifkind MP Mark Field MP Sadiq Khan MP Seema Malhotra MP Stephen Hammond MP Zac Goldsmith MP

London Assembly Members Andrew Boff AM Caroline Pidgeon AM Darren Johnson AM Fiona Twycross AM Gareth Bacon AM Jenny Jones AM Joanne McCartney AM Kit Malthouse AM Murad Qureshi AM Nicky Gavron AM Richard Tracey AM Stephen Knight AM Tom Copley AM Valerie Shawcross AM Victoria Borwick AM

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Appendix E – Email sent to stakeholders

Dear Stakeholder,

Transport for London (TfL) is working closely with cycling, road user and community groups, London boroughs and the police to review and improve cycling provision on the existing Barclays Cycle Superhighways.

As part of this, we are proposing to introduce a ‘two-stage right turn’ facility for cyclists travelling on Cycle Superhighway 8 (CS8) at the junction of Chelsea Bridge with Grosvenor Road and would like to know your views.

For more information and to have your say please visit: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/chelsea-bridge

This consultation is open until Friday 20 March 2015.

Yours sincerely,

Oliver Birtill

Consultation Team

Transport for London

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