Tooting town centre pedestrian improvements Consultation Report January 2020
Contents
Executive summary ...... 4 Summary of issues raised during consultation ...... 4 Next steps ...... 5 1. About the proposals ...... 7 1.1 Introduction ...... 7 1.2 Purpose ...... 7 1.3 Detailed description ...... 7 2. About the consultation ...... 9 2.1 Purpose ...... 9 2.2 Potential outcomes ...... 9 2.3 Who we consulted ...... 9 2.4 Dates and duration ...... 9 2.6 What we asked ...... 10 2.7 Methods of responding ...... 10 2.8 Consultation materials and publicity ...... 10 2.10 Analysis of consultation responses ...... 12 3. About the respondents ...... 13 3.1 Number of respondents ...... 13 3.2 Methods of responding ...... 13 3.3 How pubic respondents heard about the consultation ...... 13 4. Summary of all consultation responses ...... 13 4.1 Summary of responses to Question 1 ...... 14 4.2 Summary of Question 2 ...... 14 4.3 Summary of Question 3 ...... 15 4.4 Summary of Question 4 ...... 16 4.5 Summary of Question 5 ...... 17 4.6 Summary of Question 6 ...... 19 4.7 Summary of Question 7 ...... 20 4.8 Summary of Question 8 ...... 21 4.9 Summary of Question 9 ...... 22 4.10 Summary of Question 10 ...... 23
2 4.11 Summary of Question 11 ...... 25 4.12 Summary of stakeholder responses ...... 27 4.13 Petitions and campaigns ...... 36 4.14 Summary of comments from events ...... 36 4.16 Comments on the consultation...... 41 5. Next steps ...... 42 Appendix A: Detailed response to issues raised ...... 43 Appendix B: Consultation letter/leaflet...... 66 Appendix C : Consultation questions...... 72
3 Executive summary
We consulted on pedestrian improvements in Tooting town centre. The consultation was open between 25 October and 10 December 2018.
We had 970 responses from members of the public and 19 from key stakeholders
We asked several questions about different aspects of the scheme and also asked what drove people to answer as they did. The analysis can be viewed in detail in section 4.
We also asked people what their top three priorities were for Tooting town centre. These were identified as:
Pedestrian access Shopping Leisure
One key area of the consultation was our proposal to introduce continuous footway across the majority of the scheme.
We asked respondents what they thought of our proposals to use continuous footways over side road junctions. 921 people answered this question. 71 per cent of respondents either supported or strongly supported this aspect of the proposals. With 16 percent either opposing or strongly opposing this aspect.
However, responses from groups or individuals with protected characteristics such as those with visual impairments or those with special education needs did outline some concerns. These related to the lack of tactile paving alerting people to the fact that they were about to step out from exclusively pedestrian space, and the difficulty for both pedestrians and drivers to understand who had priority.
Summary of issues raised during consultation Positive comments supported the principle of making the area more attractive and safer for pedestrians. There was also general support for the introduction of 20mph limits and measures to make the junction outside Tooting Broadway station safer
Those expressing concern about the proposals suggested that a 20mph limit is unnecessary and that the proposals may increase congestion/pollution. There were also concerns as to how drivers and people with disabilities would use the junctions that have continuous foot ways and that these would be less safe than what is currently there
4 Next steps Given the safety benefits that lower speed limits bring, with reduced casualties and reduced severity of injuries, TfL is proceeding with proposals for a 20mph speed limit and improvements to pedestrian crossings as outlined in the consultation. However, this will not include the proposed changes to the junctions at Tooting Broadway (Tooting High Street / Garratt Lane / Mitcham Road and Mitcham Road / Longmead Road) and Tooting Bec (Upper Tooting Road / Balham High Road / Trinity Road / Tooting Bec Road). We will commence post-consultation redesign in light of the comments we have received. Both the Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway junctions will be redesigned with a view to providing segregation between cyclists and general traffic in addition to pedestrian improvements. Once the redesign and modelling is complete TfL and London Borough of Wandsworth will review the impact that this has on the road network and a decision can be made as to whether mitigation measures will be required through a potential Low Traffic Neighbourhood.
Cycle Superhighway 7 will be reviewed to identify improvements that could be made wherever possible.
The 20mph speed limit will be delivered in May 2020 with construction on pedestrian crossings and associated humps expected to start in Autumn 2020.
Continuous footways
Continuous footways were proposed as a new type of pavement treatment at side road junctions where the pavement continues straight across a side road junction to give the impression of one continuous pavement. Continuous footways seek to prioritise pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to slow down and give way to pedestrians. Aspects of these facilities have raised concerns about their possible impact on the young, elderly and people with certain disabilities especially in Tooting where traffic flows into side roads are high. We are undertaking a design review of continuous footways to assess their impact at locations with differing characteristics such as pedestrian flows, traffic flows, turning movements, geometry etc. and using selected trial sites across London to look at whether any design changes are needed and any information on where and how this approach can be best used across our network.
Totterdown Street
We have reviewed the requests for changes to Totterdown Street and have decided not to progress with any changes at this stage. Concerns were raised about the level of through traffic and possible traffic displacement. However, if a wider Low Traffic Neighbourhood is progressed in the future it may be possible to close-off Totterdown Street and this might also happen as part of future Crossrail 2 works. However, there remains the issue of private vehicular access. Totterdown Street is mainly managed by the London Borough of Wandsworth and options for future
5 changes remain open but it is not felt that extensive public realm works would be appropriate here considering all the constraints.
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6 1. About the proposals
1.1 Introduction The proposals form part of the Mayor of London’s plan for Healthy Streets - a long- term vision to encourage more Londoners to walk,cycle and use public transport by making London’s streets healthier, safer and more welcoming.
1.2 Purpose The proposed changes to Tooting town centre also aimed to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our streets by reducing the speed limit to 20 miles per hour through the area, which benefits not just pedestrians but cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users. This also contributes directly to the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero ambition to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041.
In addition, we hoped to protect journey times for bus passengers through an extension of the existing bus lane facilities on the A24 and the insetting, either partially or fully, of some existing loading bays which currently interrupt the smooth passage for buses and cyclists where footway width allows. These benefits for bus journeys would be in the off-peak period.
By providing more space for pedestrians and cyclists and prioritising their safety, there would be an expected increase in journey times for general traffic including buses at the busiest times of the day.
1.3 Detailed description We proposed to increase walking in Tooting town centre by using an innovative and wide-ranging set of urban realm improvements.
• Introduce continuous footways
• Introduce a 20mph speed limit through the area
• Improve existing pedestrian crossings and introduce new ones
• Introduce a community space on Totterdown Street
• Change the turning priority at some side streets including introducing a one- way system for Moffat Road and Hereward Road
7 Changes to the footway
As part of this we proposed a type of pavement treatment at side road junctions called a ‘continuous footway’, which is already widely used in northern Europe. This is where the pavement continues straight across a side road junction to give the impression of one continuous pavement. This treatment has been installed at other locations in London , including along the Transport for London Road Network, such as at the junction of Upper Tooting Road / Stapleton Road.
Introducing continuous footways at this location sought to prioritise pedestrian movements in Tooting town centre by encouraging vehicles to slow down and give way to pedestrians. For vehicles exiting the side road, we looked to introduce give- way markings, in addition to the continuous footway, to encourage car drivers to stop and enable pedestrians to cross safely. We did not propose to include tactile paving at the side road crossing points, to ensure that the footway appears continuous.
Changes to road network
We proposed to help increase the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users by reducing the speed limit to 20mph. We also proposed to try to protect bus journey times, where possible, by extending bus lane facilities along the A24.
Pedestrian crossings
We proposed to widen and raise to pavement level the existing pedestrian crossings along throughout the whole scheme. We also sought to introduce straight across crossings rather than the current staggered ones outside Tooting Broadway Station. We also proposed to relocate crossings to where there is greater demand .
We proposed to introduce a new signalised crossing at the junction of Longmead Road and Mitcham Lane and a new crossing over Tooting High Street near Selkirk Road.
Changes to priority
We proposed to make Lessingham Avenue left-turn only on to Upper Tooting Road. Derinton Road would become right turn only on to Upper Tooting Road. We would also introduce a new one-way facility on Moffat Road and Hereward Road whereby Moffat Road would be entry only from Upper Tooting Road and exit only from Hereward Road on to Upper Tooting Road. It would operate one-way clock-wise.
Totterdown Street
We sought views prior to any proposals being brough forward to see what might be possible and what would be desirable.
8 2. About the consultation
2.1 Purpose The objectives of the consultation were:
To give stakeholders and the public easily-understandable information about the proposals and allow them to respond
To understand the level of support or opposition for the proposals
To understand any issues that might affect the proposal of which we were not previously aware
To allow respondents to make suggestions about the scheme in general and about how we should proceed with elements of the scheme in Totterdown Street
2.2 Potential outcomes The potential outcomes of the consultation were:
Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we decide to proceed with the scheme as set out in the consultation
Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we modify the proposals in response to issues raised and proceed with a revised scheme
Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we decide not to proceed with the scheme Our conclusion and next steps are set out in Chapter 4.
2.3 Who we consulted We consulted all affected key stakeholders, including local businesses and organisations such as Living Streets and London Cycling Campaign. We targeted disability groups such as Guide Dogs and the Nation Federation for the Blind UK, we carried out pre consultation with these key affected disability stakeholders to make them aware of the launch of the consultation. We also consulted local residents and those who shop in and travel through the town centre.
2.4 Dates and duration This was a six week consultation, which ran from 25 October 2018 until 10 December 2018. 9 2.6 What we asked We asked nine closed questions which refered to different aspects of the scheme including new crossings, continuous footways and the junction at Tooting Broadway. In each case we also asked people to explain from a predetermined list why they had responded as they did. We invited comments specifically about continuous footways and also more generally about the scheme. We also asked what people would like to see done with Totterdown Street.
2.7 Methods of responding We invited response via our online portal, email, in writing and also via phone through the contact centre. We also ran 3 drop in sessions to allow people to ask any questions about the scheme.
2.8 Consultation materials and publicity We sent out 152,994 emails to residents and people who travel through the town centre. We distributed 17000 letters to residents living around the town centre. We also sent a stakeholder email to 786 key stakeholders. The consultation was also available in other languages, large print, Braille and audio.
Copies of the emails and letter can be found in appendix b
2.8.1 Press and media activity We sent out a press release to launch the consultation. This was taken up by local press and local blogs.
2.8.2 On-site advertising We produced an A5 flyer and and A4 poster. These were distributed to local businesses in the town centre to display in their premises. These can be viewed in appendix b
2.8.3 Public meetings, events and exhibitions We held three drop in sessions to allow everyone affected by the proposals an opportunity to talk to TfL staff and leave any comments.
A summary of responses received at these sessions can be found in section 4.1.4
These sessions were held at the following venues:
12 November (Mon) 18.00 – 20.30 Tooting Market (Central Square) 21-23 Tooting High Street London SW17 OSN
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14 November (Wed) 09.00 – 17.00 United Reform Church Rookstone Rd, London SW17 9NQ
17 November (Sat) 10.00 – 16.00 Tooting Library 75 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9PD
2.8.4 Meetings with stakeholders The project board is made up of members of TfL, LB Wandsworth and Living Streets and has met regularly in the run up to the consultation.
We have also met regularly with the Tooting Town centre partnership board which consists of local business representatives, Wandsworth Council officers and local councillors. The scheme was largely well supported through this group.
During the consultation period we also met with representatives of National Federation for the Blind UK, Transport for All and the Royal National Institute for the Blind. A number of concerns were raised at this meeting which largely centred on the the problems people with visual impairments would have when trying to use continuous footways. There were mixed views as to the lack of tactile paving being proposed.
11 2.9 Equalities Assessment
2.9.1 Findings of the Equalities Assessment
This information is available on our website and can be accessed here.
2.9.2 Measures taken to encourage participation by protected groups
We took steps to ensure that all groups in the community, such as elderly, disabled or faith organisations were made aware of the proposals, their potential impacts and how to respond to the consultation. Measures taken included:
Identifying and emailing relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to the following: Age UK London, Dyslexia Action Guide Dogs for the Blind, Royal National Institute for the Blind, Action on Hearing Loss and Inclusion London, inviting them to respond to the consultation
Ensuring that the materials were written in plain English and available on request in different formats (for example Braille, large print, other languages)
Making sure that public events were held in accessible locations and at different times of the day and that large scale materials were available to review
Considering how best to reach our target audiences and tailoring the way of communicating with them. For example, by preparing hard copies of our online material for those not able to access our website.
2.10 Analysis of consultation responses Responses were reviewed by our in-house Consultation Analysts. The online questionaire contained nine closed questions, where respondents could indicate their views and level of support for our proposals, and three open questions, where respondents could provide any additional comments on the proposals. There was also a further question where respondents could comment on the quality of the consultation.
A coding framework was developed for responses to these questions, which was finalised following review by an internal expert, allowing the responses to be reviewed and coded into themes. Responses received by letter or email were coded using the same framework. There were 6 duplicate responses which were treated as one.
12 3. About the respondents
3.1 Number of respondents
Respondents Total % Public responses 970 98% Stakeholder responses 19 2% Total 989 100%
3.2 Methods of responding
Methods of responding Total % Website 936 95% Letter/email 53 5% Total 989 100%
3.3 How pubic respondents heard about the consultation 899 out of 970 respondents answered this question.
How respondents heard Total % Received an email from TfL 548 56% Received a letter from TfL 110 11% Saw it on the TfL website 19 2% Read about in the press 26 3% Social media 134 14% Other (please specify) 62 6% Not Answered 71 7% Total 970 100%
4. Summary of all consultation responses
We received 989 responses to the consultation. 970 were from members of the public and 19 were from stakeholders. A summary of the responses is set out in sections 4.1 to 4.11. The stakeholder responses are shown section 4.12.
13 4.1 Summary of responses to Question 1 We asked respondents to tell us in what capacity they were responding to the consultation (respondents could choose all categories that applied to them, hence the larger total).
In what capacity are you answering? Responses
Pedestrian 833 Cyclist 318 Powered two wheel user 19 Driver (professional) 35 Driver (leisure) 431 Resident 580 Business owner 17 Other (please describe) 41 Total 2274
4.2 Summary of Question 2 Question 2 asked respondents to choose their top three priorities for Tooting town centre.
Pedestrian access, followed by shopping and leisure were given as the top three priorities.
What are your top 3 priorities for Tooting town centre? 700
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0 Business Green Cycle Pedestrian Travel by Travel by Leisure Shopping improveme space access access vehicle bus nt Priority 1 115 165 110 78 296 22 63 68 Priority 2 111 175 98 85 216 33 72 125 Priority 3 144 169 134 54 144 52 74 136
14 4.3 Summary of Question 3 We asked respondents what they thought of our proposals to use continuous footways over side road junctions. 921 people answered this question. What do you think of our proposal to use continuous footways over side road junctions? 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Neither Strongly support Strongly Not Support Oppose Not sure Total support nor oppose Answered oppose Responses 475 217 54 52 102 21 49 970 % 49% 22% 6% 5% 11% 2% 5% 100%
We also asked if respodents had any further comments about this design feature and what impact it may have. The table below sumamrises the comments and suggestions we received. Number of Support comments Generally support 61 Will improve pedestrian safety, especially for disabled/less mobile and 51 those with small children Will create a better environment for pedestrians 20 The layout works elsewhere in Europe so no reason it shouldn’t work here 10 Support any measures that cut down on pollution 3 Will improve safety for cyclists/motorcyclists 3 Will encourage drivers to take care approaching junction 1 Oppose This will less safe for drivers and pedestrians (esp. children), as both will 158 be confused by the new layout Scheme is a waste of money 21 Generally oppose 8 Raised/uneven surface at the junction will increase risk to cycles and 6 motorcycles Concerns The omission of tactile paving raised concerns 36 There have already been many accidents/near misses at the continuous 18 footway at Stapleton Rd Not enough provision for cyclist safety in the proposals 18 Signals will be needed to ensure safe crossings 13 15 Having to stop further back from junction will give reduced visibility for 11 drivers Drivers will park on the continuous pavement area- enforcement needed 3 Will encourage shops to place more clutter on pavements 1 This will have a negative impact on residents' parking 1 Other comments and suggestions How will continuous footways work for cyclists? 5 The scheme needs to extend over a wider area of Tooting 3 The final delivery of the scheme needs to be done carefully 3 Unclear if proposals will improve crossings 2 Introduce voice activated signalling 1 Area should be completely pedestrianised 1 Modal filters should be included at junctions with continuous footways 1 Make sure statue doesn't block drivers view of crossing 1 Measures do not meet Healthy Streets or Vision Zero objectives 1
4.4 Summary of Question 4 Question 4 asked respondents what they thought of our proposals to widen and raise to pavement level, the existing pedestrian crossings along Tooting High Street, Mitcham Road and Upper Tooting Road. 934 people answered this question. What do you think of our proposals to widen and raise to pavement level, the existing pedestrian crossings along Tooting High Street, Mitcham Road and Upper Tooting Road? 600
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0 Neither Strongly support Strongly Not Support Oppose Not sure Total support nor oppose Answered oppose Responses 540 217 53 40 63 11 46 970 % 56% 22% 5% 4% 6% 1% 5% 100%
16 We also asked respondents what issues had influenced their answer to this question. The table below summarises the responses for those who strongly supported/supported and strongly opposed/opposed this proposal.
Could you let us know what influenced your answer? 700
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0 Bus Environm Vehicle Better for Accessibil Ease of journey ental journey pedestria Safety ity cycling times concerns times ns Strongly oppose/Oppose 19 16 27 19 54 9 39 Strongly support/Support 330 80 55 157 12 656 475
4.5 Summary of Question 5 We asked respondents what they thought of our proposals to introduce signals at the junction of Longmead Road and Mitcham Lane, which would provide a green-man phase across all arms at the same time. 921 people answered this question.
17 What do you think of our proposals to introduce signals at the junction of Longmead road and Mitcham Lane, which will provide a green-man phase across all arms at the same time? 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Neither Strongly support Strongly Not Support Oppose Not sure Total support nor oppose Answered oppose Responses 456 257 109 28 37 34 49 970 % 47% 26% 11% 3% 4% 4% 5% 100%
We also asked respondents what issues had influenced their answer to question 5. The table below summarises the responses for those who strongly supported/supported and strongly opposed/opposed this proposal. Could you let us know what influenced your answer? 600
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0 Bus Environm Vehicle Better for Accessibil Ease of journey ental journey pedestria Safety ity cycling times concerns times ns Strongly oppose/Oppose 8 4 24 16 39 3 10 Strongly support/Support 235 49 45 78 33 554 503
18 4.6 Summary of Question 6 We asked respondents what they thought of our proposals to introduce a new crossing over Tooting High Street near Selkirk Road. There were 919 responses to this question. What do you think of our proposals to introduce a new crossing over Tooting High Street near Selkirk Road? 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Neither Strongly support Strongly Not Support Oppose Not sure Total support nor oppose Answered oppose Responses 423 279 100 42 48 27 51 970 % 44% 29% 10% 4% 5% 3% 5% 100%
We also asked respondents what issues had influenced their answer to this question. The table below summarises the responses for those who strongly supported/supported and strongly opposed/opposed this proposal.
19 Could you let us know what influenced your answer? 600
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0 Bus Environm Vehicle Better for Accessibil Ease of journey ental journey pedestria Safety ity cycling times concerns times ns Strongly oppose/Oppose 8 9 31 23 50 9 21 Strongly support/Support 256 39 31 65 11 549 469
4.7 Summary of Question 7 We asked respondents for their views on our proposals to make Lessingham Avenue left-turn only on to Upper Tooting Road. 918 people answered this question. What do you think of our proposal to make Lessingham Avenue left-turn only on to Upper Tooting Road? 300
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0 Neither Strongly support Strongly Not Support Oppose Not sure Total support nor oppose Answered oppose Responses 240 196 276 45 77 84 52 970 % 25% 20% 28% 5% 8% 9% 5% 100%
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We also asked respondents what issues had influenced their answer to this question. The table below summarises the responses for those who strongly supported/supported and strongly opposed/opposed this proposal. Could you let us know what influenced your answer? 350
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0 Bus Environm Vehicle Better for Accessibil Ease of journey ental journey pedestria Safety ity cycling times concerns times ns Strongly oppose/Oppose 56 13 12 24 93 8 26 Strongly support/Support 104 55 50 84 77 227 295
4.8 Summary of Question 8 Question 8 asked respondents what they thought of our proposals to make Derinton Road right-turn only on to Upper Tooting Road. 915 people answered this question. What do you think of our proposal to make Derinton Road right-turn only on to Upper Tooting Road? 300
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0 Neither Strongly support Strongly Not Support Oppose Not sure Total support nor oppose Answered oppose Responses 217 176 290 57 83 92 55 970 % 22% 18% 30% 6% 9% 9% 6% 100%
21 We also asked respondents what issues had influenced their answer to question 8. The table below summarises the responses for those who strongly supported/supported and strongly opposed/opposed this proposal. Could you let us know what influenced your answer? 350
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0 Bus Environm Vehicle Better for Accessibil Ease of journey ental journey pedestria Safety ity cycling times concerns times ns Strongly oppose/Oppose 55 15 14 27 100 15 37 Strongly support/Support 106 45 39 74 62 213 262
4.9 Summary of Question 9 We asked respondents what they thought of our proposals to introduce a new one- way facility on Moffat Road and Hereward Road, whereby Moffat Road would be entry only from Upper Tooting Road and exit only from Hereward Road on to Upper Tooting Road. There were 915 responses to this question.
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What do you think of our proposal to introduce a new one- way facility on Moffat Road and Hereward Road? 300
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0 Neither Strongly support Strongly Not Support Oppose Not sure Total support nor oppose Answered oppose Responses 250 212 285 26 48 94 55 970 % 26% 22% 29% 3% 5% 10% 6% 100%
We also asked respondents what issues had influenced their answer to this question. The table below summarises the responses for those who strongly supported/supported and strongly opposed/opposed this proposal. Could you let us know what influenced your answer? 350
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0 Bus Environm Vehicle Better for Accessibil Ease of journey ental journey pedestria Safety ity cycling times concerns times ns Strongly oppose/Oppose 32 10 8 18 45 7 22 Strongly support/Support 144 40 27 88 87 240 285
4.10 Summary of Question 10 We proposed making changes to Totterdown Street to allow the community to use the space. Respondents were asked if they had any comments or suggestions about our proposal for Totterdown Street for us to take forward for further consideration
23 before any design work is carried out. The table below summarises the suggestions and comments that were received.
General Not sure what a community space would entail/need more details of what could 31 be planned Support Support the introduction of a Community Space 72 Support measures to reduce traffic 17 Support a pedestrianised space in Totterdown Street 12 Support a revamp of the area 5 Support 20mph restriction 2 Oppose Oppose having a public area on Totterdown Street 15 Spending money on ‘cosmetic’ improvements is a waste 4 Tooting market already provides a good community space 1 Concerns Any change to the area could have a negative impact on parking/access for 20 residents/visitors Other roads in the area also need to be made one way to help with 14 traffic/environmental concerns and safety of pedestrians Concern that changes to Totterdown Street would have a negative impact on 11 traffic on other local streets and cause rat running Concern that a community area could lead to an increase in noise and anti social 4 behaviour Will the introduction of Crossrail supersede this? 4 Other comments and suggestions Would like a community to space to include more green space/trees/park areas 43 Totterdown Street should be pedestrianised to make to safe to walk and stop rat 28 running Support an outdoor market space linking existing local markets 15 Any community space should have seating/benches 13 Would like to see provisions for safer cycling 9 Allow nearby restaurants to have outside areas 8 Could be used for farmers market type area 7 Spend more on street cleaning/maintenance to improve area 7 The space should be designed with the safety and pleasure of children in mind 6 Still needs to allow loading for local businesses 6 Previous local events show what can be done to create a community space(eg. 5 annual food festivals) Similar community spaces needed on other local streets 4 More vehicle parking needed 3 Should be a no alcohol zone 3 Could be a space to show live sport and other events 3 Community area should continue onto Franciscan Road 3 Measures to slow traffic on Totterdown Street are needed 3 More cycle parking needed 2 Install electric car charging points 2 24 Has the impact on schools been considered? 2 Good lighting would be required 1 Make junctions easier to cross (single stage/longer green man time) 1 Install public toilets 1 Make the stretch of Totterdown Street up to Valnay Street one way 1 Limit access to residents only 1
4.11 Summary of Question 11 Question 11 asked respondents if they had any further comments or suggestions about our proposals for Tooting town centre. The main comments and suggestions are listed in the table below.
Support Generally support the proposals 44 Support measures that make the roads easier/safer to navigate as a pedestrian 36 Support the new crossings 19 Support 20mph limits 16 Support measures that make the junction outside Tooting Broadway station safer 14 Support measures that ease congestion 13 Support the new measures if they can deter cut-throughs and rat runs 11 Support the introduction of Countdown timers at crossings 4 Oppose 20mph limit is unnecessary 46 Proposals will increase congestion/pollution 77 Generally oppose proposals 18 There are already enough pedestrian crossings around the Tooting High 18 Street/Mitcham Road Junction area The proposals will not increase safety 15 Oppose proposed turn restrictions and one way operation 10 Oppose signalised junctions at Derinton Road and Ansell Road 4 Oppose raising height of crossings 1 Concerns More needs to be done to make local conditions safer/easier for cyclists 61 Will these measures move traffic problems from the main road onto side streets? 12 20mph limits need to be enforced 10 Removing the centre lines will be dangerous 7 More needs to done to improve congestion and pollution 6 There is not enough parking for local residents and shoppers 5 Making streets one way and restricted turn will create confusion 4 20mph limit will increase bus journey times 3 Concerned that new one way streets will lead to increased speeding 2 Drivers will ignore the new measures 1 New crossings will not be adequate 1 Other comments and suggestions More measures need to be taken to reduce rat runs/cut-throughs on local residential roads (eg. Kellino Street; Selkirk, Mandrake, Fircroft, Broadwater and 72 Rogers Roads) 25 CS7 needs to be upgraded with continuous, fully segregated cycle lanes 39 Extend the scheme to other parts of Tooting 34 Area needs to be smartened up and made more pleasant/there’s too much street 32 clutter Would like to see more measures taken to reduce car use in Tooting 29 More trees/greening needed 26 Would like to see diagonal crossing at Tooting Broadway junction 21 TfL should be making things easier for drivers, not more difficult 20 Bus stop locations cause crowding on pavement and don’t allow for convenient 20 transfer between routes Footways around Tooting Broadway junction need to be widened 20 More parking and loading enforcement needed 16 Signal timing at crossings need adjusting to improve safety for pedestrians (ie. 11 more green man time) Complaint about behaviour of cyclists 11 Cyclists/pedestrians need to take more responsibility for road safety 10 Comments about Longmead Road bus stand (noise, pollution etc) 9 More bus priority measures needed too 8 Move loading and blue badge bays to side roads instead of the main road 4 Ban HGVs from residential roads in London 3 Remove parking near side street junctions rather than having turn restrictions 3 Better road layout, safety measures and enforcement are needed, not a 20mph 3 limit Reduce parking at Tooting Broadway 3 When will this be completed? 3 Road network needs to be expanded 3 New crossing needed near Ansell Road 2 More free parking needed 2 How will you change the behaviour of drivers? 2 Have traffic flows around local schools been considered? 2 Have the needs of local residents been considered? 2 Remove traffic islands on Tooting High Street/Upper Tooting Road 1 The right turn onto Upper Tooting Road from Trinity Road is dangerous 1 Improve access from Tooting Broadway station to Garratt Lane to provide one 1 continuous crossing Unsure of the benefits of traffic islands on crossings over Tooting High Street 1 Would like new a Thameslink station at bridge between Tooting High Street & 1 Colliers Wood There will need to be discussions with those with disabilities 1 Suggest right turn at Lessingham Road and left turn at Derinton Road 1 More local buses would encourage people out of cars 1 Make road accessible to electric vehicles only 1 Have Zebra crossings instead of signal controlled crossings 1 Further crossings needed (eg (at Brudenell and Topsham Roads) 1 Ansell Road should be no entry from Tooting High Road 1 More disabled parking needed 1 New pedestrian crossing needed from Tooting Market and Selkirk Street 1 Consultation criticism Typos in consultation material 3 Online questionnaire didn't work 1 26 Out of scope Out of scope comment 12
4.12 Summary of stakeholder responses This section provides summaries of the feedback we received from stakeholders. Some key stakeholder responses came via the online portal and are reproduced in full. We sometimes have to condense detailed responses into brief summaries. The full stakeholder responses are always used for analysis purposes.
London TravelWatch
London TravelWatch is supportive of slower speed initiatives. A 20MPH limit is welcomed as are the raise crossings that help to enforce it.
However they are not supportive of footway loading and see that introducing motor vehicles onto the pavement will not be the best urban design that should be expected of one of London’s busy high streets. They would also like to see Red Routes in busy areas like Tooting operate 24/7. This would benefit bus services and their passengers. They are not t clear what red line control is being proposed, but if it is to be single reds then the street will continue to get parked up and buses delayed after 7pm.
They would like to see proper monitoring of continuous footways if introduced. The crossings that you propose are interesting and it is to be hoped that proper monitoring might be undertaken. One of the problems that has been reported regarding these is that blind people have no cue as to when they are walking in to the path of vehicles. The images look like there is no ramping up to pavement level. This will not be as effective as it could be in slowing turning traffic.
Historically TfL’s side road entry treatments have been too shallow a slope and so do little to slow turning speeds. Some London boroughs have adopted steeper gradients and these work as intended and slow turning traffic.
LB Wandsworth
The Council has been working closely with Transport for London (TfL) and fully support the consultation and look forward to discussing the results and working with TfL to agree the best way forward.
Cllrs Annamarie Critchard and James Daley, Tooting Ward
They welcome the improvements as they feel that these will make Tooting High Street and Upper Tooting Road a safer and cleaner environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
However, they do have some reservations. 27 1) The junction of Mandrake Road & Topsham Road
This is the only "straight" cross-over east-west of the A24 in this area. That means that Mandrake/Topsham route is used as a cut-through for traffic trying to avoid the main Tooting Bec Road/Trinity Road east-west route. This increases traffic and danger for pedestrians and cyclists - particularly cyclists using the superhighway. They would like us to consider forced left turns from Mandrake & Topsham Roads (as happens with Lessingham & Derinton) to improve cycle safety and reduce rat- running.
2) Making the loop of Hereward Road & Moffat Road one-way
They do not see the benefit for residents in making these two streets a one-way loop as it will encourage traffic to travel more quickly than it does already on these streets. They recommend that the streets are left as two-way and signage is improved to indicate that the streets are for residents only - with "No Access" signs" and improved restriction signs at the entrances. 3) Beechcroft Road Lights
They would like to see a crossing to the north of the lights as well as the south? This is due to the desire line for people accessing Ernest Bevin School.
4) Pedestrian “Scoot” at Tooting Broadway
Due to the development of AFC Wimbledon’s ground (increase in capacity), there will be an increased number of people using Tooting Broadway station on match days. They asked that we investigate controls on the traffic lights to hold the pedestrian phase when lots of people are waiting to cross. 5) Cyclists Advance Stop at the Broadway
They would like to see installation of Cyclist early release lights at this location. •
Cllr Paul White, Tooting Ward
There are rat running” issues involving cutting through residents streets from Upper Tooting Road to Garratt Lane, Beechcraft Road or Trinity Road, this would involve using Fircroft, Mandrake, Broadwater and Rogers Road.
With no entries at the bottom of Kharma Road, that end of Selkirk Road tends to be much more amenable. Has consideration has been given to access to the problem roads such as to reduce traffic using those roads?
Also, Garratt Lane leading to Tooting Broadway is very grey and polluted. Could we make this stretch much greener, with plant beds, trees etc to soak up pollution and make it more humane?
Greener buses would also help improve air quality.
28 London Fire Brigade
The redevelopment of the road and pedestrian areas around Tooting town centre is a key aspect to ensuring the area remains accessible and safe for all residents and visitors alike. The area is a popular route with London buses and cars, it also has the cycle highway running through it. Tooting High Street and Upper Tooting Road can at times be very congested and certain sections along both roads have allocation for parking, which makes the road narrower in some sections. This, along with the volume of deliveries supplying the local shops, does have a potential impact on our appliances journey times.
They recognise the need to improve and maintain both the roads and pedestrian areas. However, it is important that in the process of improving the street architecture, access to the street and the surrounding area is not compromised for our crews and vehicles.
They believe it is a positive proposal for Tooting town centre, remaining mindful of the points raised above.
The main area that LFB would like to raise is that the guidance (supplied) within their Fire Safety Guidance Note 29 – Access for Fire Appliances is taken into consideration.
Wandsworth Community Transport
They oppose the proposal for continuous footway as they believe it effectively already exists and just needs highlighting. They also do not want to see a reduction in traffic flow as this could cause gridlock. They also oppose the 20mph is it will be unlikely to be observed and that most of the time it isn’t possible to go much faster. They also oppose the introduction of speed humps as they impact negatively on disabled road users and create more pollution as people slow down and speed up when using them.
Wandsworth Living Streets
They provided a formal response made in the context of three factors. - The objectives of the project
- The constraints and opportunities of the project area
- The Mayor's Transport Strategy
“The proposals for Tooting town centre can, and should, play a part in these wider efforts to alter the transport mix and change London's streets for the better.
The proposals for Tooting town centre are comprehensive, well-considered, solid and in line with conventional 'good practice'. The revised junction at Tooting Broadway, continuous pedestrian crossings at side roads, revised loading 29 arrangements and re-surfacing would improve conditions for people walking and cycling and increase the appeal of the area. However, they note that we should go further to reduce the volume of private motor vehicles along these streets. Given the physical space available, in practice this would mean reducing the number of vehicle lanes, for example at junctions, and giving buses greater access rights than other motor vehicles.
This would enable the following conditions to be created:
• On both sides of Tooting High Street, Upper Tooting Road and Mitcham Road, people being able to walk, use their wheelchair or be pushed in their buggy along footpaths which are generous and comfortable
• People - young and old - being able get around by riding their bikes in protected cycle lanes in both directions along these streets
• People who need to use private motor vehicles being able to do so but for most people using these streets it would be more convenient to walk, cycle or use public transport
They recognise that there are many barriers to achieving such significant change in the design of London's streets, including the physical space available, funding arrangements, some of the existing guidance, custom and practice in transport planning and street design, and potential opposition. They understand that overcoming these barriers can be very challenging and recognise their own role in showing that communities do wish to see significant improvements to London's streets, in line with the Mayor's Transport Strategy and the Healthy Streets approach.
They would also like to see a wider and more ambitious movement strategy for the A24 TLRN or a street design pilot in anticipation of the potential Crossrail 2 station.
Safer Streets - Living Streets (response via portal)
This scheme proposes the use of continuous footways over side road junctions. This is a relatively new design feature on Transport for London’s road network and in order to create the feel of a continuous footway, tactile paving and kerbs are omitted from side road crossing points. Please let us know to what extent you support or oppose this new design feature:
They note that he scheme has not taken proper account of the needs of pedestrians and may result in vehicle speeds reducing on Tooting High Street. As a result Sat Navs are likely to direct traffic on to local roads. Speeding could increase on local roads as a result as there is little traffic calming or enforcement. This will also negatively affect cyclists making side roads unsafe for them.
30 They oppose continuous footway, as it presents a serious danger to visually impaired pedestrians in particular, but also to pedestrians generally who will face traffic from three directions. It would be essential for pedestrian safety that there be a different surface treatment. A no right turn from the main road into side roads will also help traffic flow and deter the incentive to rat run. There is no benefit to peak hour bus journey times in the scheme. No right turn from the main road into side roads should be considered to prevent idling and pollution from vehicles wanting to turn right, which would also improve peak hour bus journey times.
There should be an all green man phase at the Tooting Broadway junction. This would be a genuine Healthy Streets approach, where walking is made more attractive.
Moffat Road and Hereward Road should not be made one way as this will do nothing more than increase speed in these roads. It is quite unnecessary, puts cars first and puts pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk.
The right turn only into Derinton Road actually formalises a rat run from Trevelyan Road through to Derinton Road. Derinton Road should be left turn only rather than right turn only.
They also note that Totterdown Street should be traffic free with and then the paved area could have any number of uses, an environmental planted area with seating, mini-exercise area, market stalls etc.
London Cycling Campaign
They oppose the scheme overall. Although there are benefits for pedestrians it will fail to achieve key Mayoral Transport Strategy objectives including on Vision Zero and Healthy Streets, due to the lack of improved cycle infrastructure. . This corridor has been a source of a high number of collisions, many serious, to those cycling here – and this scheme will fail to significantly improve safety for those already cycling here, and fail to enable more people to cycle here.
Specific points on this scheme:
- There are hook risks at all major junctions, and all side roads with significant turning movements and/or collision history should be mitigated much further – with separate lights phasing for those cycling and likely physically-protected cycle tracks along the length of this scheme.
The current consultation does not allow assessment of the scheme for other likely critical issues such as lane width, turning movements, kerbside activity, but it seems likely the scheme features critical issues on several of these. - There does not appear to be a coherent plan for dealing with through motor traffic currently accessing the many side streets along the scheme. Continuous footways should not generally be installed on side streets with more than low volumes of traffic accessing
31 them. And the current scheme only very partially deals with likely ratruns – indeed, signalising Derinton Road as the current plan does, without further changes to other parallel streets, risks simply displacing more motor traffic to those side streets without signal control. The scheme should be implemented alongside “low traffic neighbourhoods” (or “filtered permeability cells”) on either side of the main road.
They oppose any proposal for Totterdown Street that makes it shared space as drivers will simply dominate the space. This approach should only be applied if the through route is filtered.
- It is likely the only suitable cycling provision for this location, given volume of motor traffic, will be protected tracks and junctions where those cycling are separated in time and/or space from motor vehicles. This scheme instead proposes cycle logos in the “door zone”, lane widths that look likely to be “critical issues” at numerous points, advisory cycle lanes and Advances Stop Lines (“ASLs”) without even early release lights.
- TfL’s own Strategic Cycling Analysis highlights Garratt Lane, Tooting Bec Road and Trinity Road as likely locations for high priority routes on the cycle network. The entire area is one of high cycle demand already. These corridors should be considered as part of this scheme as a bare minimum.
- The scheme includes design elements which fail to take into consideration the need to enhance connections between Cycle Superhighway CS7 and surrounding residential streets and could worsen these. For example, it is not clear why people cycling are being included in the restricted turns associated with new signalised crossings (e.g. exiting Selkirk Road and Lessingham Avenue), and why one-way working rather than point no-entry treatments have been proposed for the loop formed by Hereward and Moffat Roads.
General points about infrastructure schemes:
• LCC requires infrastructure schemes to be designed to accommodate growth in cycling. Providing space for cycling is a more efficient use of road space than providing space for driving private motor vehicles, particularly for journeys of 5km or less. In terms of providing maximum efficiency for space and energy use, walking, cycling, then public transport are key.
• As demonstrated by the success of recent Cycle Superhighways and mini- Holland projects etc., people cycle when they feel safe. For cycling to become mainstream, a network of high-quality, direct routes separate from high volumes and/or speeds of motor vehicle traffic is required to/from all key destinations and residential areas in an area. Schemes should be planned, designed and implemented to maximise potential to increase journeys – with links to nearby amenities, residential centres, transport hubs considered from the outset.
32 • Spending money on cycling infrastructure has been shown to dramatically boost health outcomes in an area. Spending on cycling schemes outranks all other transport modes for return on investment according to a DfT study. Schemes which promote cycling meet TfL’s “Healthy Streets” checklist. A healthy street is one where people choose to cycle.
• All schemes should be designed to enable people of all ages and abilities to cycle, including disabled people.
• Evidence from TfL and from many schemes in London, the UK and worldwide shows the economic benefits, including to businesses, to be found from enabling a wider range of people to cycle more. Further evidence shows how cycling schemes also benefit air quality and reduce climate changing emissions, as well as improving resident health outcomes and reducing inactivity, as mentioned above.
• LCC wants, as a condition of funding, all highway development designed to London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS), with a Cycling Level of Service (CLoS) rating of 70 or above, with all “critical issues” eliminated.
Wandsworth Cycling Campaign
They oppose this scheme as set out because they feel that the measures proposed are insufficient to ensure the safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians moving through the scheme area.
They note that whilst there are some good ideas and useful features, there is little indication that the design of the scheme has been based on the wholistic appreciation of the needs of all active travellers as set out in the Mayor's Transport Plan and elaborated in TfL’s action plans.
Critically, the scheme almost completely fails to address the current high level of risk to which cyclists are exposed in the scheme area. They appreciate and support the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit and the removal and restriction of some of the very extensive parking that currently obstructs passage for cyclists. However, no measures are proposed to support the speed limit - ANPR mean speed cameras would be very useful for this. Some parking and loading bays appear to remain at critical points. There is no attempt to re-allocate space away from motorists to form cycle tracks. A continuous stepped cycle track on each side of Tooting High Street and Upper Tooting Road would be ideal, and would require 'rat running' on the adjoining residential streets to be stopped.
One way on Hereward Road will increase the speed of motor vehicles on this road and so increase danger for the residents.
33 The design of the junction at Tooting Broadway tube station does nothing to protect cyclists manoeuvring through the junction. The very narrow left turn lane retained at the northern end of Mitcham Road will encourage conflict between cyclists moving towards the junction and left-turning vehicles.
They also have very serious concerns over the use of continuous footways on side roads without measures to both tighten the turning radii into these roads and to remove necessary through traffic using these streets as a 'rat run'. The proposed arrangement without effective measures to reduce the volume and speed of turning traffic will put both cyclists and pedestrians travelling along Tooting High Street and Upper Tooting Road at great risk.
Stop Killing Cyclists
They reiterated the concerns expressed by the London Cycling Campaign about the scheme as a whole. They also noted that the proposal for Totterdown Street should not be progressed as a shared space approach as it will cause more safety concerns. They make clear that we are not investing enough money into the cycling aspects of this scheme. Spending money on cycling infrastructure has been shown to dramatically boost health outcomes in an area. Spending on cycling schemes outranks all other transport modes for return on investment according to a DfT study. Schemes which promote cycling meet TfL’s “Healthy Streets” checklist. A healthy street is one where people choose to cycle.
Bike Taxi Limited - trading as Pedal Me (response via portal)
They note that any new turning or one way restrictions should have exemptions for cycles. The signal junction at Ansel Road should have pedestrian crossings on all arms and banned turns should have cycle exemption.
TK Maxx
They are keen to understand the implications to loading for the store and want to work with us.
Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood Forum
They have recently completed an extensive local consultation exercise in order to understand the views and priorities of the community. This included 18 face-to-face events and an online questionnaire and in total attracted over 3,000 responses to four broad questions. Their consultation has revealed several key trends that note are relevant to our proposals.
The overriding theme by some distance was how much people value diversity and community in Tooting. Variants of these answers made up well over a quarter of responses to ‘what do you love about Tooting?’ as well as a smaller but significant proportion of responses to ‘what would you like to preserve about Tooting?’
34 In answering a question about ‘what do we need in Tooting that we do not have?’, the number one response was ‘greening’ of various kinds, including more trees and planting in the streetscape, more green spaces and parks.
The fifth priority in ‘what we need’ was public spaces, such as an outdoor meeting area/town square. Other significant priorities included walkability, parking, cycling provision, and better air quality.
In answering our question about ‘what needs to change in Tooting?’ the second most common response was traffic congestion. The third was walkability, fourth air quality and sixth green spaces.
They are strongly supportive of proposals to improve the pedestrian environment, including more and safer pedestrian crossings, as this works toward the community desire for ‘walkability’.
They understand the rationale for continuous footways and are supportive in principle for the same reason as above. However, they are concerned that the volume of traffic using Tooting’s side streets may compromise this feature and mean it does not have its intended effect. We are also concerned that existing rat runs may become more attractive due to these proposals (because they will slow traffic on the main roads) and that this will exacerbate the problems of traffic congestion. They are concerned about the lack of cycling improvements as part of these proposals and see it as a missed opportunity to address another express local need. They have asked us to look again at this aspect. They would like to see Totterdown Street as a green space and a public space. They would like to see additional trees and planting to answer the community desires for both more greenery and better air.
The have a specific request. They had asked for improved crossing facilities between Tooting Islamic centre and the Tesco, and would like to request some bench seating and greenery outside the Islamic Centre.
Tooting Business Network
Whilst our consultation gave many opportunities for comment, they note that there remains a significant business community who remain unaware of the works. Some reasons are that they are small businesses with low IT skills and for some it has been a busy period and 1to1 contact has not been possible.
They are generally supportive of the scheme but are concerned that the number of loading bays will negatively affect the pavement width.
They think the 20mph limit raises many questions about a complex set of issues around traffic flow more stop and start motion and greater use of first and second gears in vehicles
Most businesses will support loading bays to be operating from Monday to Friday.
35 There is no need for the restrictions to operate on Saturdays and Sundays. They should also be flexible in reference to parking.
They are also concerned about the impact on businesses during construction
Chair of Governors, Tooting Primary School (response via portal)
They would like us to consider adding a diagonal crossing at the Tooting Broadway junction similar to that at Tooting Bec. This would improve the safety of pedestrians who currently do not have enough time to cross both roads on a single "green man" phase.
They would also like to see more improvements for cyclists between Tooting Broadway and Balham - particularly the southbound route where the amount of vehicles parked in the cycle superhighway in the early evening renders it close to pointless.
Whilst supporting the aims of the proposals for Totterdown Street any changes should not create an unintended adverse effect. It is important to ensure that any changes do not create "rat-runs" in other streets, particularly Franciscan Road which already has its own challenges with both volume and speed of traffic. As the location of two primary schools, it is imperative that children can walk, cycle and scoot safely to and from school so any proposal should seek to minimise both traffic levels and pollution from this already busy street.
4.13 Petitions and campaigns There were no petitions or campaign groups organised as a result of this consultation
4.14 Summary of comments from events
Location Issue Garratt Lane Driver switch-over at bus stop on exit of junction causes congestion. Longmead Non-compliance of prescribed left-turn. Road Standing buses leave their engines on causing noise and pollution Existing arrangement unsafe for buses to turn around Great that this will be made a signalised junction. Currently difficult to cross Longmead Road as a pedestrian Garratt Lane Two lighting columns not working on south side by Tooting Broadway junction. Tooting Listed lighting columns needs cleaning. Broadway General More short stay parking requested for customers.
36 Garratt Abuse of prescribed left-turn, especially by private hire. Terrace Gilbey Road More CCTV enforcement required of people stopping in side road at junction. Selkirk Road More CCTV enforcement required of people stopping in side road at junction. General Privode wands at refuges to protect cyclists. General Exemption to banned turns required for cyclists. General Provide more cycle parking Mitcham Road By Iceland, artics reverse into off-street area. Longmead Why can't bus stands be also used as bus stops. Road Blackshaw South of junction lighting columns permanently illuminated for few weeks. Road Nutwell Street Chicken shop - are tables and chairs legal. General Stickers for massage services plastered over lighting columns and signal poles. General Tactile paving requested on all refuges for straight-across crossings. General Tactile paving and kerb-lines requested on side roads. Blister paving wearing-out in some locations. Brick paving requested around tactile paving for contrast. Carriageway on continuous footways should be a different colour. Visual sign operated with push-button box to alert motorists of a blind person crossing.
Stapleton Crossing should be set-back more into side road. Road General Centre line removal is bad for motorcyclists. General Concern about 20mph speed limit leading to traffic displacement and increased air pollution. Avarn Road Will crossing block access to church - some previous history about this.
Longmead Convert this area to a green space. Road Garratt Lane BT info points reduce unobstructed footway width. Moffat Road One-way will increase vehicle speeds. Keble Street How is 'except for access' enforced? Tooting Can Pedestrian SCOOT be installed and can it be set to improve for peds Broadway when AFC Wimbledon are playing at home. Nutwell Road Vehicle red appears when nobody has called a pedestrian signal. Blackshaw Right-turners out of Blackshaw Road go through red light. Road Longmead Bus drivers leave engines on. Road Broad Water HGVS cut through to estate and cause issues for parked cars Selkirk Narrow road encourages road rage incidents - can it be one way Totterdown Timed vehicle access. Moveable Bollard. Turn into a park. Street Extend one way. Full pedestrainisation Night time deliveries Should have family-friendly features. E.g. play area/something to entertain young children - Tooting lacks this
37 Moffat Rd, Allow cyclists in through no entry section. Design will make speeding worse. Hereward road Restaurateurs and visitors use it for parking in the evening Good that this is made one-way. Will remove the issue of opposing drivers conflicting if there are no passing points Franciscan Currently used as a rat run and will be dangerous for pedestrians crossing. Road/Mellinso Aggressive drivers make dog-leg movement n Road Chalmont Drainage needs to be sorted, regular floods (Fatberg!!!). Road Yellow box junction required to prevent accidents Derinton Road, Mosque on corner causes congestion. Lessingham St priority change Will be impossible for local residents to access Ansell Road (Route to access Wimbledon) without a large diversion. Cyclists should be exempt from banned right turn out of Lessingham Street
Carwell Street, Speeding vehicles entering (making right turns) from main road causing Aldis Road collisions Blackshaw Why wasn't it included in the scheme? Road Junction Woodbury new development of a Hotel needs to be accounted for (additional cars) Street, Ivy Road Mitcham Road Congestion on pavements at bus stops on Mitcham Road Bus shelters should face road, not pavement. This will separate passing pedestrians from those queueing for a bus Udine Street We should retain that pedestrian crossing Tooting Should have a diagonal crossing included Broadway Very positive feedback on wider straight-across crossings Junction Widened footways well-received All arms should have cycle lanes on approach/feeder lanes into ASLs
Good that the Broadway junction will be built first - junction is a big problem
Cllr Gibbons residents concerned that 20mph will increase rat running. The local church would like to see the Ped crossing at Avarin Road moved to allow for some commercial development of the site. Cllr Critchard Topsham Road has a problem with speeding. There are road rage issues occurring due to lack of space on side roads (Mandrake Road specifically). Not happy with boroughs position on need for residents to present another petition to get this included in the scheme.
Continuous Autistic child has been taught how to cross roads where tactile paving or footway drop kerb is present. This will present a problem - barrier to independence comments - SEN child representative Continuous Tactile paving required on all side roads. Tactile paving required on island footway crossing points at Tooting Broadway Junction. There is a potential for comments - someone to veer into main road with the guidance of tactile paving Visually impaired 38 representative
Continuous Children may not realise they are crossing a road footway comments - general People on phones may not realise they are crossing a road Cars may park on the crossing points without double red lines Continuous flow of pedestrians on side roads when it is busy will mean cars can't turn into or out of side roads and will increase congestion on Tooting High St, Upper Tooting Rd and Mitcham Road
Concerns drivers will not give way to pedestrians Drivers waiting for pedestrians to clear, when turning in to side roads, will block the A24 and cause delays especially impacting emergency services heading to/from St George's Hospital
Concerns that cars will 'cut corners' with continuous footways if kerb radii aren't included - it should be made clear exactly what the On side roads, drivers should have give-way signs as well as the give-way markings, to make it extra clear where they should stop On side roads, STOP signs should be used instead of give-way markings. To make sure drivers stop to look for pedestrians Side roads should at least be delineated with a different colour paving, to ensure pedestrians double check for cars If continuous footways make drivers slow down, this will reduce the chance of drivers hitting cyclists on CS7 Cycle Missed opportunity to improve the CS7 Superhighway The entire cycle superhighway should be painted blue, as it is now, to draw 7 drivers' attention to the fact that cyclists will be there Inset loading bays will be great for cyclists There should be more cycle lanes - there is enough space to do so at certain locations Construction Noisy works should not be completed overnight period Concerns over buses being diverted during construction period
Non specified Can potholes on nearby borough roads be repaired as part of scheme
Insetting loading bays will make pavements too narrow due to Shop A- boards and other outside seating All side roads should be made one-way to avoid conflicts between cars going in opposite directions Motorbikes speed in tooting Use "PaveGen" across the scheme to help generate power and sell it back to the grid Will make Tooting worse for pedestrians Cars will not respect 20mph 39 pedestrian refuges are not big enough for the amount of people Great that so many ped crossings are relocated to where people need them more - heat mapping technique praised Signage should be put in to direct people from Tooting Broadway station to St George's Hospital Concerns over recent removal of pedestrian guard railing. This would deter hostile vehicles/terrorist attacks. This should be re-instated
Longmead Non-compliance of prescribed left-turn. Buses leaving engines on. Road Broad Water HGVS cut through to estate and cause issues for parked cars Selkirk Narrow road encourages road rage incidents - can it be one way Totterdown Timed vehicle access. Moveable Bollard. Turn into a park. Street Extend one way. Full pedestrianisation . Night time deliveries Moffat Rd, Allow cyclists in through no entry section. Design will make speeding worse. Hereward road restaurateurs and visitors use it for parking in the evening Franciscan Currently used as a rat run and will be dangerous for pedestrians crossing Road/Mellinso n Road Chalmont Drainage needs to be sorted, regular floods (Fatberg!!!). Road Yellow box junction required to prevent accidents Derrington Mosque on corner causes congestion. Will be impossible for local residents Road, to access Ansell Road (Route to access Wimbledon) without a large Lessingham St diversion. priority change Carwell Street, Speeding vehicles entering (making right turns) from main road causing Aldis Road collisions Blackshaw Why wasn't it included in the scheme? Road Junction Woodbury new development of a Hotel needs to be accounted for (additional cars) Street, Ivy Road Mitcham Road Congestion on pavements at bus stops on Mitcham Road Udine Street We should retain that pedestrian crossing Tooting Should have a diagonal crossing included Broadway Junction Cllr Gibbons residents concerned that 20mph will increase rat running. The local church would like to see the Ped crossing at Avarin Road moved to allow for some commercial development of the site.
Cllr Critchard Topsham Road has a problem with speeding. There are road rage issues occurring due to lack of space on side roads (Mandrake Road specifically). Not happy with boroughs position on need for residents to present another petition to get this included in the scheme.
Continuous Autistic child has been taught how to cross roads where tactile paving or footway drop kerb is present. This will present a problem 40 comments - SEN child representative Continuous Tactile paving required on all side roads. Tactile paving required on island footway crossing points at Tooting Broadway Junction. There is a potential for comments - someone to veer into main road with the guidance of tactile paving Visually impaired representative Continuous Children may not realise they are crossing a road footway comments - general People on phones may not realise they are crossing a road Cars may park on the crossing points without double red lines Continuous flow of pedestrians on side roads when it is busy will mean cars can't turn into or out of side roads and will increase congestion on Tooting High St, Upper Tooting Rd and Mitcham Road
Non specified Can potholes on nearby borough roads be repaired as part of scheme
Insetting loading bays will make pavements too narrow due to Shop A- boards and other outside seating Missed opportunity to improve the CS7 Motorbikes speed in tooting Use "PaveGen" across the scheme to help generate power and sell it back to the grid Will make Tooting worse for pedestrians Cars will not respect 20mph pedestrian refuges are not big enough for the amount of people
4.16 Comments on the consultation Of the public responses to the consultation, 899 indicated what they thought about the quality of the consultation and associated materials. Of those, 700 respondents (78 per cent) felt the quality of the consultation was good or very good, 156 (17 per cent) thought it was acceptable, and 43 (five per cent) felt it was poor or very poor.
Additionally, 159 respondents left a further comment about the quality of the consultation. Of the further issues raised about the quality of the consultation, the main issue was that the consultation materials and questions were not clear. Other issues raised included comments that more information and evidence was required on the background behind the proposals, concern that the consultation not publicised well enough, and concern that the consultation was just a ‘tick-box’ exercise
41 5. Next steps
Given the safety benefits that lower speed limits bring, with reduced casualties and reduced severity of injuries, TfL is proceeding with proposals for a 20mph speed limit and improvements to pedestrian crossings. However this will not include the proposed changes to the junctions at Tooting Broadway (Tooting High Street / Garratt Lane / Mitcham Road and Mitcham Road / Longmead Road) and Tooting Bec (Upper Tooting Road / Balham High Road / Trinity Road / Tooting Bec Road). We will commence post-consultation redesign in light of the comments we have received. Both the Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway junctions will be redesigned with a view to providing segregation between cyclists and general traffic in addition to pedestrian improvements. Once the redesign and modelling is complete TfL and London Borough of Wandsworth will review the impact that this has on the road network and a decision can be made as to whether mitigation measures will be required through a potential Low Traffic Neighbourhood. Cycle Superhighway 7 will be reviewed to identify improvements that could be made wherever possible. The 20mph speed limit will be delivered in May 2020 with construction on pedestrian crossings and associated humps expected to start in Autumn 2020. Further programming and allocation of resources will be required once the Business Planning process is completed in November. Continuous footways Continuous footways were proposed as a new type of pavement treatment at side road junctions where the pavement continues straight across a side road junction to give the impression of one continuous pavement. Continuous footways seek to prioritise pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to slow down and give way to pedestrians. Aspects of these facilities have raised concerns about their possible impact on the young, elderly and people with certain disabilities especially in Tooting where traffic flows into side roads are high. We are undertaking a design review of continuous footways to assess their impact at locations with differing characteristics such as pedestrian flows, traffic flows, turning movements, geometry etc. and using selected trial sites across London to look at whether any design changes are needed and any information on where and how this approach can be best used across our network.
Totterdown Street We have reviewed the requests for changes to Totterdown Street and have decided not to progress with any changes at this stage. Concerns were raised about the level of through traffic and possible traffic displacement. However, if a wider Low Traffic Neighbourhood is progressed in the future it may be possible to close-off Totterdown Street and this might also happen as part of future Crossrail 2 works. However, there remains the issue of private vehicular access. Totterdown Street is mainly managed by the London Borough of Wandsworth and options for future changes remain open but it is not felt that extensive public realm works would be appropriate here considering all the constraints. 42 Appendix A: Detailed response to issues raised
Stakeholder comments Response to Comments
London TravelWatch is supportive of slower speed initiatives. A 20mph limit is welcomed as are the raised crossings that help to enforce it. Introducing motor vehicles onto the pavement Where possible, loading bays/disabled parking have as is proposed will not be the best urban been relocated onto the footway for off-peak usage design that should be expected of one of only, when there is less footfall. We have done this London’s busy high streets. Our clear in order to reduce the need for those using Cycle preference is that TfL’s Red Routes in busy Superhighway 7 to pull out into traffic to pass areas like Tooting operate 24/7. This would loading vehicles, and to increase bus journey time benefit bus services and their passengers. It reliability through the area. would be much better for cycling and allow legitimate business loading at times when We will further review the red route controls and there is least congestion. Loading in the loading requirements to assess what changes could evening could be encouraged if their was a be made between the need for servicing of proper enforcement regime. It’s not clear what businesses and the need for traffic to safely use the red line control is being proposed, but if it is to highway. be single reds then the street will continue to get parked up and buses delayed after 7pm. The crossings that you propose are interesting Continuous footways were proposed as a new type and its to be hoped that a proper monitoring of pavement treatment at side road junctions where might be undertaken. One of the problems that the pavement continues straight across a side road has been reported regarding these is that blind junction to give the impression of one continuous people have no queue as to when they are pavement. Continuous footways seek to prioritise walking in to the path of vehicles. The images pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to look like there is no ramping up to pavement slow down and give way to pedestrians. Aspects of level. This will not be as effective as it could these facilities have raised concerns about their be in slowing turning traffic. possible impact on the young, elderly and people Historically TfL’s side road entry treatments with certain disabilities especially in Tooting where have been too shallow a slope and so do little traffic flows into side roads are high. We are to slow turning speeds. Some London undertaking a design review of continuous footways boroughs have adopted steeper gradients and to assess their impact at locations with differing these work as intended and slow turning characteristics such as pedestrian flows, traffic traffic. flows, turning movements, geometry etc. and using selected trial sites across London to look at whether any design changes are needed and any information on where and how this approach can be best used across our network.
The Council has been working closely with Transport for London (TfL) to develop the proposals and we are pleased that the public now have the opportunity to comment on these plans. We fully support the consultation and look forward to discussing the results and working with TfL to agree the best way forward.
43 I attach a response from James Daley & I, in our capacity as Ward Councillors for Tooting Ward. Cllr. White has already responded.
Cllr. Daley and I are two of the Ward Councillors for Tooting Ward, which is mainly the area to the west of the A24 in the proposal. We welcome the improvements as we feel that these will make Tooting High Street and Upper Tooting Road a safer and cleaner environment for pedestrians and cyclists. However, we have some reservations. 1) The junction of Mandrake Road & Topsham The proposals for Derinton Road / Lessingham Road Avenue have the support of LBW. TfL is happy to This is the only "straight" cross-over east-west review restrictions from its network but where these of the A24 in this area. That means that will lead to displacement of traffic we must be Mandrake/Topsham route is used as a cut- cautious that we don't simply transfer the problem to through for traffic trying to avoid the main other junctions. Any measures that reduce through Tooting Bec Road/Trinity Road east-west traffic on local access roads would need to be route. This increases traffic and danger for supported by residents and consultation on these pedestrians and cyclists - particularly cyclists proosals would be led by LBW and do not currently using the superhighway. We'd like you to form part of the Town Centre scheme. In the past a consider forced left turns from Mandrake & consensus view on how to do this was never Topsham Roads (as happens with achieved and the status quo remained. TfL will try to Lessingham & Derinton) to improve cycle accommodate any traffic restrictions that LBW want safety and reduce rat-running. to introduce in the future to reduce through traffic. 2) Making the loop of Hereward Road & Moffat The proposal to make Moffatt Road and Hereward Road one-way Road one-way has been abandoned in light of We see no benefit for residents in making concerns raised. these two streets a one-way loop as it will encourage traffic to travel more quickly than it does already on these streets. This is not what residents want or need, so we recommend that the streets are left as two-way and signage is improved to indicate that the streets are for residents only - with "No Access" signs" and improved restriction signs at the entrances. Better still, could the entrances be made narrower to further discourage vehicles going down this streets. 3) Beechcroft Road Lights The provision of a pedestrian crossing on Upper Please can we have a crossing to the north of Tooting Road immediately north-east of Beechcroft the lights as well as the south? Ernest Bevin Road will be investigated as part of a post- School is on Beechcroft Road; and it's a consultation design review. slightly shorter walk to Beechcroft Road on the east of Upper Tooting Road than on the west, so the lads are likely to come out of the eastern entrance of Tooting Bec Station and keep going south. This route avoids crossing Trinity Road - then they will probably attempt to cross Upper Tooting Road on the north at Beechcroft where there is no crossing. They will also use the bus stop between Topsham & Foulser - and the quickest route across the road doesn't have a crossing. You can test this theory by observing what the boys do already! I'd add that Fircroft Primary School is at the end of Mandrake Road and we'd recommend seeing how parents and carers cross upper Tooting Road in the mornings and afternoons with buggies and children - they may take a 44 detour to cross safely and may want an extra crossing too. (One of the recent accidents was someone running for a bus & that must have been aggravated by no crossing on the north side of the junction).
4) Pedestrian “Scoot” at Tooting Broadway The provision of pedestrian SCOOT will be AFC Wimbledon are developing their new considered as part of the redesign of the junction. ground on Wimbledon Road, near the junction An alternative could be to manually change the with Garratt Lane. It’s likely to be completed in 'invitation to cross' green man times on matchdays. Spring 2020. The ground capacity will be around 10,000 people – and, although there probably won’t be so many to start with, there will be an increased number of people using Tooting Broadway station on Match days. Please can you investigate controls on the traffic lights to hold the pedestrian phase when lots of people are waiting to cross. I think it’s called “Pedestrian Scoot” – I’m sure one of the TfL team told me this – and it would be really useful when lots of people arrive for a match. 5) Cyclists Advance Stop at the Broadway The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early We’d like you to revisit the possibility of letting 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing cyclists start crossing the Broadway junction to improve the quality of the cycle network by before cars & buses do. I know this is an issue introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus for the cycling campaigners, so any is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the improvements would be welcome. places where it is most needed. As part of this we will be undertaking further design work at Tooting Broadway junction to segregate cyclists and motor traffic. If this is not feasible then we will look to provide alternative measures including 'early release' in the signal timings for cyclists.
We have increasing “rat running” issues TfL is happy to review restrictions from its network involving cutting through residents streets from but where these will lead to displacement of traffic Upper Tooting Road to Garratt Lane, we must be cautious that we don't simply transfer Beechcraft Road or Trinity Road, this would the problem to other junctions. Any measures that involve using Fircroft, Mandrake, Broadwater reduce through traffic on local access roads would and Rogers Road. This is causing many snarl need to be subject to consultation on these ups on these roads, with arguments, hold ups, proposals would be led by LBW and do not currently tailbacks and sometimes fist fights. form part of the Town Centre scheme. In the past a consensus view on how to do this was never With no entries at the bottom of Kharma Road, achieved and the status quo remained. TfL will try to that end of Selkirk Road tends to be much accommodate any traffic restrictions that LBW want more amenable and I wonder if consideration to introduce in the future to reduce through traffic. has been given to access to the problem roads such as to reduce traffic using those roads? Also, Garratt Lane leading to Tooting Garratt Lane is outside the scope of this scheme Broadway is very grey and polluted. Could we and is managed by LBW who are carrying out their make this stretch much greener, with plant own route study as a separate scheme. beds, trees etc to soak up pollution and make it more humane?
45 Also, “cleaning” the buses that use Garratt We are planning to re-fit around 5,000 buses so that Lane/Upper Tooting Road, would go a great they meet the highest emissions standards (Euro VI) way to improve eh air quality on these roads, as quickly as possible. This often means replacing a which currently sees rises in its toxicity? Are bus's exhaust system, although in some cases it there plans to reduce the Co2 and toxins that may require the engine to be replaced. The emit from buses on this route? introduction and expansion of these technologies play a key role in improving the air we breathe in London.
Over 2,600 diesel-electric hybrid buses currently run through the Capital, making up 30% of our bus fleet. All of these buses are quieter, more fuel-efficient and cleaner than standard diesel buses, reducing emissions by between 30%-40%. From 2018, all new double-deck buses entering our fleet will be diesel-hybrid meeting Euro VI emissions standards as part of a rolling programme separate from this scheme.
The redevelopment of the road and pedestrian Where possible, loading bays/disabled parking has areas around Tooting town centre is a key been relocated onto the footway for off-peak usage. aspect to ensuring the area remains Furthermore, all short-stay parking for general traffic accessible and safe for all residents and has been removed from the A24 within the scheme visitors alike. The area is a popular route cwith extents. We hope that this will have a positive London buses and cars, it also has the cycle impact on journey times for emergency service highway running through it. Tooting High vehicles. Street and Upper Tooting Road can at times be very congested and certain sections along both roads have allocation for parking, which makes the road narrower in some sections. This, along with the volume of deliveries supplying the local shops, does have a potential impact on our appliances journey times.
LFB recognises the need to improve and maintain both the roads and pedestrian areas. However, it is important that in the process of improving the street architecture, access to the street and the surrounding area is not compromised for our crews and vehicles.
LFB believes it is a positive proposal for Tooting town centre, remaining mindful of the points raised above. The main area that LFB would like to raise is that the guidance (attached) contained within our Fire Safety Guidance Note 29 – Access for Fire Appliances is taken into consideration.
We have already responded to this Continuous footways were proposed as a new type consultation, but I thought it very important to of pavement treatment at side road junctions where add further information about the Stapleton the pavement continues straight across a side road Road “Continuous Pavement” experiment. junction to give the impression of one continuous This is cited as the model which will be used pavement. Continuous footways seek to prioritise as the template for all the other side roads pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to along the main road. slow down and give way to pedestrians. Aspects of these facilities have raised concerns about their possible impact on the young, elderly and people with certain disabilities especially in Tooting where
46 Yesterday I saw the third accident there that I traffic flows into side roads are high. We are have witnessed in the last few months. A car undertaking a design review of continuous footways was beached on the protective corner bell. to assess their impact at locations with differing The last time, a car was actually half over characteristics such as pedestrian flows, traffic turned! In the previous 40 years before the flows, turning movements, geometry etc. and using improvement, I have never seen an incident selected trial sites across London to look at whether there. Hopefully no one was injured, but I fear any design changes are needed and any information it is just a matter of time. on where and how this approach can be best used We really don’t think you should use this across our network. model. We already have continuous pavements along the main road which work very well. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! We already have continuous footways - all you need is to paint them to highlight them. In general, don't reduce traffic flow - anything Research has shown that 20mph zones have no net that jams up the main road is to be avoided. negative effect on emissions and they dramatically The main road could easily end up with reduce road danger, reducing both the likelihood perpetual gridlock which is bad for everyone and severity of injuries. They also support a shift to and would totally defeat the purpose of this walking and cycling, generate less traffic noise and exercise. reduce community severance. Vehicles also move more smoothly with fewer accelerations and decelerations. Don't introduce 20mph on the main roads. You The reason raised pedestrian crossings have been very seldom manage more than a walking proposed is to increase compliance with the pace anyway, so it is pretty much immaterial, proposed 20mph limit. They will be designed to but when the road is empty like at night, accommodate buses and will have less impact on 30mph is not a problem - people will be doing comfort of disabled passengers. Safer Speeds are it anyway, and just accelerating and slowing an important part in the Mayor's Transport Strategy between speed cameras making worse to rid London's roads of Killed and Seriously Injured pollution. collisions by 2041 under the Vision Zero policy. Don't introduce more speed humps - they are terrible for people with disabilities and just make people speed up and slow down more creating more pollution. You don't need more traffic calming measures, it is usually at a standstill anyway.
As part of Wandsworth Living Streets' ongoing For the most part in each direction Tooting Town contribution to the project, we are now Centre will operate with one general running lane providing our formal response to the public and either an adjacent bus or cycle lane. It is difficult consultation on the proposals for in locations like Tooting to provide adequate improvements to Tooting town centre. Our facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and buses while comments are made in the context the three meeting the servicing needs of the business key factors that are driving the scheme: community. - The objectives of the project - The constraints and opportunities of the Cycle Superhighway 7 (CS7) runs between Colliers project area Wood and Southwark Bridge and was one of the - The Mayor's Transport Strategy first Superhighways to be introduced in 2010. The route is largely unsegregated and consists of Our comments are as follows: sections of mandatory cycle lanes, bus lanes and “The Mayor's Transport Strategy recognises coloured surfacing. In 2015, TfL introduced that improving the capital's streets is an segregated cycle lanes and junctions with protection important part of the GLA's, TfL's and the for cycling at Oval. More recently completed boroughs' work to improve Londoners' health, Superhighways have provided dedicated space for create an appealing place for residents and cyclists on busier roads, physically separating them businesses, and accommodate the movement from motor traffic where traffic flows are highest to needs of a growing population. The Strategy improve comfort and safety. sets out to change London's transport mix so the city works better for everyone and puts the The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early Healthy Streets Approach at the heart of that 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing change. The proposals for Tooting town centre to improve the quality of the cycle network by can, and should, play a part in these wider introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus 47 efforts to alter the transport mix and change is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the London's streets for the better. places where it is most needed. However, TfL remain committed to taking opportunities to improve the existing cycle network where possible and where appropriate. Going forward all new and existing routes will be incorporated into a single unified cycle network, known as Cycleways. As part of our work to roll out the Cycleways network, we will be assessing all completed routes including Cycle Superhighways against the new quality criteria. While our expectation is that the majority of our existing routes will meet the criteria, we know that there will be sections of routes which do not achieve this quality criteria. Where a route does not meet the quality criteria we will consider whether any upgrade work is feasible in the short term to bring it up to the required standard.
In our view, the proposals for Tooting town centre are comprehensive, well-considered, solid and in line with conventional 'good practice'. The revised junction at Tooting Broadway, continuous pedestrian crossings at side roads, revised loading arrangements and re-surfacing would improve conditions for people walking and cycling and increase the appeal of the area. However, the space and convenience provided for private motor vehicles is not in line with the more significant intentions for change set out in the Mayor's Transport Strategy.
For the proposals to play their part in implementing the Strategy and the Healthy Streets approach, they would go further to create comfortable, protected space for walking and cycling. And they would go further to reduce the volume of private motor vehicles along these streets. Given the physical space available, in practice this would mean reducing the number of vehicle lanes, for example at junctions, and giving buses greater access rights than other motor vehicles. This would enable the following conditions to be created: • On both sides of Tooting High Street, Upper Tooting Road and Mitcham Road, people being able to walk, use their wheelchair or be pushed in their buggy along footpaths which are generous and comfortable • People - young and old - being able get around by riding their bikes in protected cycle lanes in both directions along these streets • People who need to use private motor vehicles being able to do so but for most 48 people using these streets it would be more convenient to walk, cycle or use public transport
Wandsworth Living Streets would like to see these conditions, which would support people's health, local prosperity and better air quality, created in Tooting town centre.
We recognise that there are many barriers to achieving such significant change in the design of London's streets, including the physical space available, funding arrangements, some of the existing guidance, custom and practice in transport planning and street design, and potential opposition. We understand that overcoming these barriers can be very challenging and recognise our own role in showing that communities do wish to see significant improvements to London's streets, in line with the Mayor's Transport Strategy and the Healthy Streets approach. For this project to deliver more for the users of the town centre, and contribute to the Mayor's Transport Strategy to a greater extent, a directive would be needed from the highest level. This could be to undertake a wider and more ambitious movement strategy for the A24 TLRN or a street design pilot in anticipation of the potential Crossrail 2 station. We would like Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, to consider these possibilities." Thank you again for enabling Wandsworth Living Streets to be involved in this project. We would be keen to be involved in future schemes where there may be an opportunity to further improve streets in the borough. We'd be very happy to discuss these comments or potential next steps.
49 There is nothing to indicate that TfL has There is no notable displacement of traffic expected worked with the local council to ensure that as part of these proposals and the scheme has the the traffic will not be displaced from Tooting support of the Borough. At Tooting Broadway High Street and Mitcham Road into junction, space has been re-allocated from traffic to neighbouring streets that are not TfL roads. pedestrians in the form of footway build-outs. Pedestrians and cyclists may be placed at far Furthermore, on-carriageway parking has been more increased risk by vehicles rat runnning in removed along the A24 in order to improve cycle adjacent roads. The Mayor's Healthy Streets safety and improve bus journey times through the should not be about displacing traffic and area. pollution from a TfL road into a non TfL road. The only benefit is the 20MPH speed limit. The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early The scheme should be reviewed to deliver 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing benefits to pedestrians and cyclists, and as a to improve the quality of the cycle network by matter of policy TfL schemes should deliver introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus benefits to pedestrians and cyclists. is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the places where it is most needed. However, TfL The scheme has not taken proper account of remain committed to taking opportunities to improve the needs of pedestrians. The scheme will the existing cycle network where possible and where result in vehicle speeds reducing on Tooting appropriate. Going forward all new and existing High Street. Via google traffic will be directed routes will be incorporated into a single unified cycle to rat run through neighbouring streets to have network, known as Cycleways. As part of our work reduced journey times. As there is no to roll out the Cycleways network, we will be enforcement of speed limits or cameras etc in assessing all completed routes including Cycle non TfL residential roads and no measures Superhighways against the new quality criteria. are proposed for traffic calming are proposed While our expectation is that the majority of our for these residential roads, it is highly likely existing routes will meet the criteria, we know that that speeding in neighbouring roads will there will be sections of routes which do not achieve increase. There have already been fatalities of this quality criteria. Where a route does not meet the cyclists where traffic has been attracted to rat quality criteria we will consider whether any upgrade run in streets adjacent to TfL 'calmed' roads work is feasible in the short term to bring it up to the that have diverted their traffic onto the rat run. required standard. TfL should learn lessons from previous fatalities.
The idea of a continuous footway, given the Continuous footways were proposed as a new type context, is deeply misguided. This presents a of pavement treatment at side road junctions where serious danger to visually impaired the pavement continues straight across a side road pedestrians in particular, but also to junction to give the impression of one continuous pedestrians generally who will face traffic from pavement. Continuous footways seek to prioritise three directions. This could be made slightly pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to safer if there is a no right turn into side roads slow down and give way to pedestrians. Aspects of from the main road onto the side road, these facilities have raised concerns about their however it is essential for pedestrian safety possible impact on the young, elderly and people that there be a different surface treatment. A with certain disabilities especially in Tooting where no right turn from the main road into side traffic flows into side roads are high. We are roads will also help traffic flow and deter the undertaking a design review of continuous footways incentive to rat run. There is no benefit to peak to assess their impact at locations with differing hour bus journey times in the scheme. No right characteristics such as pedestrian flows, traffic turn from the main road into side roads should flows, turning movements, geometry etc. and using be considered to prevent idling and pollution selected trial sites across London to look at whether from vehicles wanting to turn right, which any design changes are needed and any information would also improve peak hour bus journey on where and how this approach can be best used times. across our network.
There should be an all green man phase at Our plans include an all-round pedestrian phase at the Tooting Broadway junction. This would be the Tooting Broadway junction, to allow pedestrians a genuine Healthy Streets approach, where to cross in one movement. walking is made more attractive.
50 Moffat Road and Hereward Road should not The proposal to make Moffatt Road and Hereward be made one way as this will do nothing more Road one-way has been abandoned in light of than increase speed in these roads. It is quite concerns raised. unnecessary, puts cars first and puts pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk. The right turn only into Derinton Road actually As vehicles are already permitted to make the right- formalises a rat run from Trevelyan Road turn from Derinton Road into Upper Tooting Road it through to Derinton Road. Derinton Road is not envisaged that this would encourage more rat- should be left turn only rather than right turn running. The prescribed right-turn is required in only. order to provide a pedestrian crossing on Upper Tooting Road in the most desirable location for pedestrians.
This scheme is opposed. Our proposals have considered all modes of transport with improvements to pedestrian While it offers many welcome benefits for crossings, bus lanes and cycle lanes as well as pedestrians, it cannot be ignored that this removing and relocating loading to help improve scheme a) badges itself as going to achieve safety. Mayor’s Transport Strategy aims on both “Healthy Streets” and “Vision Zero” and b) is Cycle Superhighway 7 (CS7) runs between Colliers directly along the alignment of Cycle Wood and Southwark Bridge and was one of the Superhighway CS7. TfL’s own Healthy Streets first Superhighways to be introduced in 2010. The for People document says schemes will be route is largely unsegregated and consists of “looking not at single transport modes as we sections of mandatory cycle lanes, bus lanes and have done in the past, but taking a wider view coloured surfacing. In 2015, TfL introduced of how streets function to deliver best for segregated cycle lanes and junctions with protection people.” This scheme fails on that approach, for cycling at Oval and Stockwell. More recently fails to create a Healthy Street and fails on completed Superhighways have provided dedicated Vision Zero. space for cyclists on busier roads, physically If this scheme is allowed to move forward as separating them from motor traffic where traffic flows is, not only will it fail to achieve key Mayoral are highest to improve comfort and safety. Transport Strategy objectives including on Vision Zero and Healthy Streets, but as a The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early permanent scheme it risks locking in this 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing failing for decades. This corridor has been a to improve the quality of the cycle network by source of a high number of collisions, many introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus serious, to those cycling here – and this is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the scheme will fail to significantly improve safety places where it is most needed. However, TfL for those already cycling here, and fail to remain committed to taking opportunities to improve enable more people to cycle here. the existing cycle network where possible and where appropriate. Going forward all new and existing routes will be incorporated into a single unified cycle network, known as Cycleways. As part of our work to roll out the Cycleways network, we will be assessing all completed routes including Cycle Superhighways against the new quality criteria. While our expectation is that the majority of our existing routes will meet the criteria, we know that there will be sections of routes which do not achieve this quality criteria. Where a route does not meet the quality criteria we will consider whether any upgrade work is feasible in the short term to bring it up to the required standard. Schemes such as this should no longer be The Healthy Streets assessment will be published acceptable to be signed off by any part of TfL. with the consultation report but a further check will And any scheme of this size should feature a be required once post-consultation design changes publicly-accessible and scrutinisable Healthy have been made. Streets Check score as part of the overall consultation. Specific points on this scheme:
51 - The rate of collisions on this stretch of road A review is planned along CS7 that will consider for cycling, after the construction of CS7, is far these suggestions to increase the level of protection too high to be acceptable today, let alone for a for cyclists. Vision Zero future. It should be a source of shame to Wandsworth Council and TfL that this scheme has been allowed to move ahead without major changes to cycle infrastructure here. Hook risks at all major junctions, and all side roads with significant turning movements and/or collision history should be mitigated much further – with separate lights phasings for those cycling and likely physically- protected cycle tracks along the length of this scheme. Given the fall in motor traffic volumes the Mayor’s Transport Strategy is predicated on, this should be achievable too. - The last DfT traffic counts for this road were in 2013. These counts indicate high levels of cycling (circa 1,000 movements daily) but also nearly 10 percent of movements being by large vehicles – HGVs, buses etc. on overall traffic volumes of over 20,000 vehicle movements daily. This indicates there are likely at least two unanswered “critical issues” in this scheme. A scheme this size and badged as a “Healthy Streets” scheme should have a publicly accessible Healthy Streets Check score that clearly highlights any “critical issues”. The current consultation does not allow assessment of the scheme for other likely critical issues such as lane width, turning movements, kerbside activity, but it seems likely the scheme features critical issues on several of these. Given this, how it can be also badged as “Vision Zero” is an utter mystery. - There does not appear to be a coherent plan Continuous footways were proposed as a new type for dealing with through motor traffic currently of pavement treatment at side road junctions where accessing the many side streets along the the pavement continues straight across a side road scheme. Continuous footways should not junction to give the impression of one continuous generally be installed on side streets with pavement. Continuous footways seek to prioritise more than low volumes of traffic accessing pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to them. And the current scheme only very slow down and give way to pedestrians. Aspects of partially deals with likely ratruns – indeed, these facilities have raised concerns about their signalising Derinton Road as the current plan possible impact on the young, elderly and people does, without further changes to other parallel with certain disabilities especially in Tooting where streets, risks simply displacing more motor traffic flows into side roads are high. We are traffic to those side streets without signal undertaking a design review of continuous footways control. The scheme should be implemented to assess their impact at locations with differing alongside “low traffic neighbourhoods” (or characteristics such as pedestrian flows, traffic “filtered permeability cells”) on either side of flows, turning movements, geometry etc. and using the main road. selected trial sites across London to look at whether any design changes are needed and any information on where and how this approach can be best used across our network.
52 - The proposal for Totterdown Street is the Current proposals for Totterdown Street will not be worst example of the failure to deal with taken forward to take into account the responses through motor traffic. This currently appears to that we received during consultation. We do not feel be a key through motor traffic route. And the that we will be able to provide the type of facility we application of a “shared space” approach here envisaged whilst Totterdown Street remains a rat- without removing through traffic will result in run for through traffic. Additionally, the need to results similar to Exhibition Road – drivers will maintain access to off-street parking means that it simply dominate the space. This approach would be difficult to close the road regularly. should only be applied if the through route is Totterdown Street is mainly managed by the London filtered. Borough of Wandsworth and options for future changes remain open but it is not felt that extensive public realm works would be appropriate here considering all the constraints. - It is likely the only suitable cycling provision We will carry out a post-consultation review of the for this location, given volume of motor traffic, design to ensure that improvements are made will be protected tracks and junctions where wherever possible. those cycling are separated in time and/or space from motor vehicles. This scheme instead proposes cycle logos in the “door zone”, lane widths that look likely to be “critical issues” at numerous points, advisory cycle lanes and Advances Stop Lines (“ASLs”) without even early release lights. - TfL’s own Strategic Cycling Analysis The scheme extents were based on the Town highlights Garratt Lane, Tooting Bec Road and Centre boundary. Garratt Lane, Tooting Bec Road Trinity Road as likely locations for high priority and Trinity Road are outside the scope of this routes on the cycle network. The entire area is scheme. one of high cycle demand already. These corridors should be considered as part of this scheme as a bare minimum. - The scheme includes design elements Cyclists will be exempted from all moving which fail to take into consideration the need restrictions except where this would conflict with a to enhance connections between Cycle pedestrian phase. Superhighway CS7 and surrounding residential streets and could worsen these. The proposal to make Moffatt Road and Hereward For example, it is not clear why people cycling Road one-way has been abandoned in light of are being included in the restricted turns concerns raised in consultation responses. associated with new signalised crossings (e.g. exiting Selkirk Road and Lessingham Avenue), and why one-way working rather than point no-entry treatments have been proposed for the loop formed by Hereward and Moffat Roads. General points about infrastructure schemes: • LCC requires infrastructure schemes to be As part of the Cycle Quality Criteria assessment of designed to accommodate growth in cycling. existing cycle superhighways all of the issues raised Providing space for cycling is a more efficient will be reviewed in relation to facilities through use of road space than providing space for Tooting. driving private motor vehicles, particularly for journeys of 5km or less. In terms of providing maximum efficiency for space and energy use, walking, cycling, then public transport are key. • As demonstrated by the success of recent Cycle Superhighways and mini-Holland projects etc., people cycle when they feel safe. For cycling to become mainstream, a network of high-quality, direct routes separate from high volumes and/or speeds of motor vehicle traffic is required to/from all key destinations and residential areas in an area. Schemes should be planned, designed and implemented to maximise potential to increase 53 journeys – with links to nearby amenities, residential centres, transport hubs considered from the outset.
• Spending money on cycling infrastructure has been shown to dramatically boost health outcomes in an area. Spending on cycling schemes outranks all other transport modes for return on investment according to a DfT study. Schemes which promote cycling meet TfL’s “Healthy Streets” checklist. A healthy street is one where people choose to cycle. • All schemes should be designed to enable people of all ages and abilities to cycle, including disabled people. • Evidence from TfL and from many schemes in London, the UK and worldwide shows the economic benefits, including to businesses, to be found from enabling a wider range of people to cycle more. Further evidence shows how cycling schemes also benefit air quality and reduce climate changing emissions, as well as improving resident health outcomes and reducing inactivity, as mentioned above. • LCC wants, as a condition of funding, all highway development designed to London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS), with a Cycling Level of Service (CLoS) rating of 70 or above, with all “critical issues” eliminated.
WCC is a local group of the London Cycing Our proposals have considered all modes of Campaign and represents all those who cycle transport with improvements to pedestrian or wish to cycle in the Borough of crossings, bus lanes and cycle lanes as well as Wandsworth. removing and relocating loading to help improve safety. On balance, we oppose this scheme as set out because we feel that the measures The 20mph speed limit will be self-enforced through proposed are insufficient to ensure the safety humps provided at some pedestrian crossings. and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians moving through the scheme area. Whilst there Cycle Superhighway 7 (CS7) runs between Colliers are some good ideas and useful features, Wood and Southwark Bridge and was one of the there is little indication that the design of the first Superhighways to be introduced in 2010. The scheme has been based on the holistic route is largely unsegregated and consists of appreciation of the needs of all active sections of mandatory cycle lanes, bus lanes and travellers as set out in the Mayor's Transport coloured surfacing. In 2015, TfL introduced Plan and elaborated in TfL's action plans. segregated cycle lanes and junctions with protection for cycling at Oval and Stockwell. More recently completed Superhighways have provided dedicated space for cyclists on busier roads, physically separating them from motor traffic where traffic flows
54 Critically, the scheme almost completely fails are highest to improve comfort and safety. to address the current high level of risk to which cyclists are exposed in the scheme The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early area. We appreciate and support the 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing introduction of a 20 mph speed limit and the to improve the quality of the cycle network by removal and restriction of some of the very introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus extensive parking that currently obstructs is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the passage for cyclists. However, no measures places where it is most needed. However, TfL are proposed to support the speed limit - remain committed to taking opportunities to improve ANPR mean speed cameras would be very the existing cycle network where possible and where useful for this. Some parking and loading bays appropriate. Going forward all new and existing appear to remain at critical points. There is no routes will be incorporated into a single unified cycle attempt to re-allocate space away from network, known as Cycleways. As part of our work motorists to form cycle tracks. A continuous to roll out the Cycleways network, we will be stepped cycle track on each side of Tooting assessing all completed routes including Cycle High Street and upper Tooting Road would be Superhighways against the new quality criteria. ideal, and would require 'rat running' on the While our expectation is that the majority of our adjoining residential streets to be stopped. existing routes will meet the criteria, we know that there will be sections of routes which do not achieve this quality criteria. Where a route does not meet the quality criteria we will consider whether any upgrade work is feasible in the short term to bring it up to the required standard. The proposal to introduce one-way working on The proposal to make Moffatt Road and Hereward Hereward Road appears to be a perverse Road one-way has been abandoned in light of initiative. This will increase the speed of motor concerns raised in consultation responses. vehicles on this road and so increase danger for the residents. The design of the junction at Tooting The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early Broadway tube station does nothing to protect 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing cyclists manoeuvring through the junction. The to improve the quality of the cycle network by very narrow left turn lane retained at the introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus northern end of Mitcham Road will encourage is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the conflict between cyclists moving towards the places where it is most needed. As part of this we junction and left-turning vehicles. will be undertaking further design work at Tooting Broadway junction to segregate cyclists and motor traffic. We also have very serious concerns over the Continuous footways were proposed as a new type use of continuous footways on side roads of pavement treatment at side road junctions where without measures to both tighten the turning the pavement continues straight across a side road radii into these roads and to remove junction to give the impression of one continuous necessary through traffic using these streets pavement. Continuous footways seek to prioritise as a 'rat run'. The proposed arrangement pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to without effective measures to reduce the slow down and give way to pedestrians. Aspects of volume and speed of turning traffic will put these facilities have raised concerns about their both cyclists and pedestrians travelling along possible impact on the young, elderly and people Tooting High Street and Upper Tooting Road with certain disabilities especially in Tooting where at great risk. traffic flows into side roads are high. We are undertaking a design review of continuous footways to assess their impact at locations with differing characteristics such as pedestrian flows, traffic flows, turning movements, geometry etc. and using selected trial sites across London to look at whether any design changes are needed and any information on where and how this approach can be best used across our network.
55 In summary we feel that the current proposals represent only a partial solution to meet the stated brief and do not take current 'Healthy Streets' design principles into account. We cannot support this flawed and incomplete plan and ask that the design is re-visited and the effective measures to reduce through traffic in the adjoining residential areas is included in the plans.
This scheme is opposed. Our proposals have considered all modes of transport with improvements to pedestrian While it offers many welcome benefits for crossings, bus lanes and cycle lanes as well as pedestrians, it cannot be ignored that this removing and relocating loading to help improve scheme a) badges itself as going to achieve safety. Mayor’s Transport Strategy aims on both “Healthy Streets” and “Vision Zero” and b) is Cycle Superhighway 7 (CS7) runs between Colliers directly along the alignment of Cycle Wood and Southwark Bridge and was one of the Superhighway CS7. TfL’s own Healthy Streets first Superhighways to be introduced in 2010. The for People document says schemes will be route is largely unsegregated and consists of “looking not at single transport modes as we sections of mandatory cycle lanes, bus lanes and have done in the past, but taking a wider view coloured surfacing. In 2015, TfL introduced of how streets function to deliver best for segregated cycle lanes and junctions with protection people.” This scheme fails on that approach, for cycling at Oval. More recently completed fails to create a Healthy Street and fails on Superhighways have provided dedicated space for Vision Zero. cyclists on busier roads, physically separating them from motor traffic where traffic flows are highest to If this scheme is allowed to move forward as improve comfort and safety. is, not only will it fail to achieve key Mayoral
Transport Strategy objectives including on The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early Vision Zero and Healthy Streets, but as a 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing permanent scheme it risks locking in this to improve the quality of the cycle network by failing for decades. This corridor has been a introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus source of a high number of collisions, many is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the serious, to those cycling here – and this places where it is most needed. However, TfL scheme will fail to significantly improve safety remain committed to taking opportunities to improve for those already cycling here, and fail to the existing cycle network where possible and where enable more people to cycle here. appropriate. Going forward all new and existing routes will be incorporated into a single unified cycle network, known as Cycleways. As part of our work to roll out the Cycleways network, we will be assessing all completed routes including Cycle Superhighways against the new quality criteria. While our expectation is that the majority of our existing routes will meet the criteria, we know that there will be sections of routes which do not achieve this quality criteria. Where a route does not meet the quality criteria we will consider whether any upgrade work is feasible in the short term to bring it up to the required standard. Schemes such as this should no longer be The Healthy Streets assessment will be published acceptable to be signed off by any part of TfL. with the consultation report but a further check will And any scheme of this size should feature a be required once post-consultation design changes publicly-accessible and scrutinisable Healthy have been made. Streets Check score as part of the overall consultation.
56 - The proposal for Totterdown Street is the Current proposals for Totterdown Street will be worst example of the failure to deal with abandoned to take into account the responses that through motor traffic. This currently appears to we received during consultation. We do not feel that be a key through motor traffic route. And the we will be able to provide the type of facility we application of a “shared space” approach here envisaged whilst Totterdown Street remains a rat- without removing through traffic will result in run for through traffic. Additionally, the need to results similar to Exhibition Road – drivers will maintain access to off-street parking means that it simply dominate the space. This approach would be difficult to close the road regularly. should only be applied if the through route is Totterdown Street is mainly managed by the London filtered. Borough of Wandsworth and options for future changes remain open but it is not felt that extensive public realm works would be appropriate here considering all the constraints. - It is likely the only suitable cycling provision We will carry out a post-consultation review of the for this location, given volume of motor traffic, design to ensure that improvements are made will be protected tracks and junctions where wherever possible. those cycling are separated in time and/or space from motor vehicles. This scheme instead proposes cycle logos in the “door zone”, lane widths that look likely to be “critical issues” at numerous points, advisory cycle lanes and Advances Stop Lines (“ASLs”) without even early release lights. - TfL’s own Strategic Cycling Analysis The scheme extents were carefully chosen following highlights Garratt Lane, Tooting Bec Road and detailed analysis on issues faced by pedestrians. Trinity Road as likely locations for high priority Garratt Lane, Tooting Bec Road and Trinity Road routes on the cycle network. The entire area is are outside the scope of this scheme. one of high cycle demand already. These corridors should be considered as part of this scheme as a bare minimum. - The scheme includes design elements Cyclists will be exempted from all moving which fail to take into consideration the need restrictions except where this would conflict with a to enhance connections between Cycle pedestrian phase. Superhighway CS7 and surrounding residential streets and could worsen these. The proposal to make Moffatt Road and Hereward For example, it is not clear why people cycling Road one-way has been abandoned in light of are being included in the restricted turns concerns raised in consultation responses. associated with new signalised crossings (e.g. exiting Selkirk Road and Lessingham Avenue), and why one-way working rather than point no-entry treatments have been proposed for the loop formed by Hereward and Moffat Roads. General points about infrastructure schemes: • SKC requires infrastructure schemes to be As part of the Cycle Quality Criteria assessment of designed to accommodate growth in cycling. existing cycle superhighways all of the issues raised Providing space for cycling is a more efficient will be reviewed in relation to facilities through use of road space than providing space for Tooting. driving private motor vehicles, particularly for journeys of 5km or less. In terms of providing maximum efficiency for space and energy use, walking, cycling, then public transport are key. • As demonstrated by the success of recent Cycle Superhighways and mini-Holland projects etc., people cycle when they feel safe. For cycling to become mainstream, a network of high-quality, direct routes separate from high volumes and/or speeds of motor vehicle traffic is required to/from all key destinations and residential areas in an area. Schemes should be planned, designed and implemented to maximise potential to increase 57 journeys – with links to nearby amenities, residential centres, transport hubs considered from the outset.
• Spending money on cycling infrastructure has been shown to dramatically boost health outcomes in an area. Spending on cycling schemes outranks all other transport modes for return on investment according to a DfT study. Schemes which promote cycling meet TfL’s “Healthy Streets” checklist. A healthy street is one where people choose to cycle. • All schemes should be designed to enable people of all ages and abilities to cycle, including disabled people. • Evidence from TfL and from many schemes in London, the UK and worldwide shows the economic benefits, including to businesses, to be found from enabling a wider range of people to cycle more. Further evidence shows how cycling schemes also benefit air quality and reduce climate changing emissions, as well as improving resident health outcomes and reducing inactivity, as mentioned above. • SKC wants, as a condition of funding, all highway development designed to London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS), with a Cycling Level of Service (CLoS) rating of 70 or above, with all “critical issues” eliminated.
Any new turning or one way restrictions should Cyclists will be exempted from all moving have exemptions for cycles restrictions except where this would conflict with a pedestrian phase. Signal junction at Ansel road should have pedestrian crossings on all arms and banned The signalised pedestrian crossing on Upper turns should have cycle exemption Tooting Road at the junction of Ansell Road / Derinton Road has been provided on the desire line outside the Tesco supermarket. To maintain junction capacity, and therefore reduce the impact on bus journey time reliability, pedestrian crossings over Ansell Road and Derinton Road will remain uncontrolled as it is felt that this is a reasonable compromise owing to the relatively low volume of traffic using these side roads.
I am writing on behalf of TK Maxx who’s Plans for Totterdown Street, including any potential service/delivery door is located upon part-time access restrictions, have not yet been Totterdown Street. In principle the alterations finalised. We will ensure that we consider the needs you are proposing for Tooting are exciting, of businesses that may be affected by this. however we would like to know that our deliveries to our store will not affected by these proposals. In that regard I would welcome further correspondence/dialogue with yourselves
58 We write on behalf of Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood Forum (TBBNF). We are grateful that you have allowed us an extension to the consultation deadline so that we could agree this response at our meeting of 12 December.
TBBNF has been established and formally recognised by Wandsworth Council to develop a Neighbourhood Plan for Tooting. The Forum membership is a mix of residents, businesses, elected representatives and local community groups. Our designated neighbourhood area includes the full extent of the proposed TfL scheme for Tooting High Street, Upper Tooting Road and Mitcham Road.
In preparing our Plan we have recently completed an extensive local consultation exercise in order to understand the views and priorities of the community. This included 18 face-to-face events and an online questionnaire and in total attracted over 3,000 responses to four broad questions. Our consultation has revealed several key trends that are relevant to your proposals. The overriding theme by some distance was There is great difficulty in providing green how much people value diversity and infrastructure on many parts of the Transport for community in Tooting. Variants of these London Road Network (TLRN). Where above- answers made up well over a quarter of ground conditions are suitable there are often sub- responses to ‘what do you love about surface utilities that prevent planting. The TLRN Tooting?’ as well as a smaller but significant thoughout Tooting has been assessed by an proportion of responses to ‘what would you Arboriculture Officer and not deemed suitable for like to preserve about Tooting?’ planting. A challenge is that the Northern Line under the A24 limits the scope for major tree planting. In answering a question about ‘what do we Planters are a way of overcoming this but they need in Tooting that we do not have?’, the obstruct narrow footways in areas like Tooting. We number one response was ‘greening’ of will work with LBW to identify locations on Mitcham various kinds, including more trees and Road that could be suitable. Additionally, as a planting in the streetscape, more green separate project we will investigate the provision of spaces and parks. green infrastructure on the private land outside Tesco. The fifth priority in ‘what we need’ was public We had envisaged that Totterdown Street could be spaces, such as an outdoor meeting used as a meeting area outside the market. area/town square. Other significant priorities However, these proposals have been abandoned to included walkability, parking, cycling provision, take into account the responses that we received and better air quality. during consultation. We do not feel that we will be able to provide the type of facility we envisaged In answering our question about ‘what needs whilst Totterdown Street remains a rat-run for to change in Tooting?’ the second most through traffic. Additionally, the need to maintain common response was traffic congestion. The access to off-street parking means that it would be third was walkability, fourth air quality and difficult to close the road regularly. Totterdown sixth green spaces. Street is mainly managed by the London Borough
59 A clear theme emerges from this that people of Wandsworth and options for future changes want the streetscape and pedestrian remain open but it is not felt that extensive public environment to be improved and for the realm works would be appropriate here considering neighbourhood to be greener, with better air all the constraints. and less traffic dominance. And overriding everything this is the desire to protect and support the diverse community.
TfL’s Tooting town centre pedestrian improvement proposals therefore are a significant early opportunity to meet some of the needs and desires of local people. We have not yet developed the detailed policies for our Plan that might inform a technical response to your consultation, so will for the most part restrict our comments to more general points, as follows: 1. We are strongly supportive of proposals to improve the pedestrian environment, including more and safer pedestrian crossings, as this works toward the community desire for ‘walkability’. We also believe through pedestrian improvements TfL should find ways to create an environment, including public spaces, to accommodate the needs of Tooting’s diverse population. 2. We understand the rationale for continuous There is no notable displacement of traffic expected footways and are supportive in principle for the as part of these proposals and the scheme has the same reason as above. However, we are support of the Borough. TfL is happy to review concerned that the volume of traffic using restrictions from its network but where these will Tooting’s side streets may compromise this lead to displacement of traffic we must be cautious feature and mean it does not have its intended that we don't simply transfer the problem to other effect. We are also concerned that existing rat junctions. Any measures that reduce through traffic runs may become more attractive due to these on local access roads would need to be supported proposals (because they will slow traffic on the by residents and consultation on these proposals main roads) and that this will exacerbate the would be led by LBW and do not currently form part problems of traffic congestion. We ask TfL to of the Town Centre scheme. In the past a work with Wandsworth Council to consider this consensus view on how to do this was never impact, which could have negative effects on achieved and the status quo remained. TfL will try to several of the community’s priorities accommodate any traffic restrictions that LBW want (walkability, air quality, traffic congestion) to introduce in the future to reduce through traffic. throughout the neighbourhood area, not just on the main roads. 3. We do not have significant evidence about Research has shown that 20mph zones have no net a desire for a lower speed limit. However we negative effect on emissions and they dramatically believe that as traffic speeds are already low reduce road danger, reducing both the likelihood during the day (due to congestion) and there is and severity of injuries. They also support a shift to a clear link between speed and road danger, walking and cycling, generate less traffic noise and we should support this proposal, which should reduce community severance. Vehicles also move improve walkability particularly when traffic more smoothly with fewer accelerations and volumes are lower. decelerations.
60 4. We are concerned about the lack of cycling Cycle Superhighway 7 (CS7) runs between Colliers improvements as part of these proposals. It Wood and Southwark Bridge and was one of the seems a missed opportunity to address first Superhighways to be introduced in 2010. The another express local need. We ask TfL to route is largely unsegregated and consists of look again and see if improvements to the sections of mandatory cycle lanes, bus lanes and existing cycle superhighway could be made, coloured surfacing. In 2015, TfL introduced as an opportunity of this scale seems unlikely segregated cycle lanes and junctions with protection to arise again in the near future. Equally we for cycling at Oval. More recently completed ask Wandsworth Council to look at safe Superhighways have provided dedicated space for cycling provision for Mitcham Road. cyclists on busier roads, physically separating them from motor traffic where traffic flows are highest to improve comfort and safety.
The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing to improve the quality of the cycle network by introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the places where it is most needed. However, TfL remain committed to taking opportunities to improve the existing cycle network where possible and where appropriate. Going forward all new and existing routes will be incorporated into a single unified cycle network, known as Cycleways. As part of our work to roll out the Cycleways network, we will be assessing all completed routes including Cycle Superhighways against the new quality criteria. While our expectation is that the majority of our existing routes will meet the criteria, we know that there will be sections of routes which do not achieve this quality criteria. Where a route does not meet the quality criteria we will consider whether any upgrade work is feasible in the short term to bring it up to the required standard. 5. We believe the proposed community space It will not be possible to implement a full time on Totterdown Street has the potential to pedestrianisation along Totterdown Street - as answer two of the community needs: more service vehicles need access to homes and green space and a public space. We are businesses along this road. Furthermore, we do not concerned that this may be compromised by anticipate this would be enough to stop rat running, the volume of traffic accessing Totterdown as it is likely that nearby parallel residential roads Street from the High Street and suggest that would be used as rat runs instead. We will continue TfL and Wandsworth Council consider to work with local businesses to continue exploring significantly limiting this access in order to solutions in terms of part-time access limitations to make the most of the opportunity. Totterdown Street. 6. In general we ask TfL to look for any Please note earlier comments on green additional opportunities to introduce trees and infrastructure (above). planting to answer the community desires for both more greenery and better air. This could be particularly beneficial around the Broadway junction, which is both a place where people gather and wait, but where there is continual stationary traffic. One way to achieve this would be to take account and refer to the emerging public realm strategy we have commissioned.
61 7. One of our members, the Tooting Islamic We have looked into the possibility of introducing Centre at 145 Upper Tooting Rd (at the more trees and greenery in the area, however junction with Derinton Rd) has made a specific arboricultural experts have identified various factors request. They had asked for improved which would mean we are unable to introduce crossing facilities between their building and additional trees along the A24. Investigations into the Tesco, which look to be provided by the whether alternative greenery would be feasible are new signalised crossing in your proposals. In ongoing. Wandsworth Council are continuing to addition, they would like to request some investigate the feasibility of additional greenery bench seating and greenery outside the along Mitcham Road. Islamic Centre. This would be especially welcome at the busy prayer times on Fridays, Our research has shown that removal of guard when there can be large numbers of railing leads to an overall reduction in collisions. worshippers, during Ramadan and the two Eid Therefore it is no longer standard practice for us to festivals. Some worshippers would greatly install it in built-up areas. We have with Tooting benefit from places to sit, shade, and shelter Islamic Centre to explore potential improvements to and plants would not only be attractive, but the walking environment but this is problematic help the air quality near the main road. There owing to limited footway space and crowding after has also been concern within the community Friday prayers. about the vulnerability of people on the pavement since the guard railing was removed and in light of attacks using vehicles in recent years. As well as making the area more pleasant this proposal would make people feel more comfortable using the space. We ask that you give consideration to this and that you discuss the idea with the Islamic Centre. We would be happy to make that contact with you and we have local organisations such as Transition Tooting who would be happy to support the design and implementation of this idea. We hope that your proposals go ahead but that you will reflect our comments in the final designs. We would be very happy to meet or discuss any of this in more detail.
We have shared this response with Wandsworth Council, particularly in light of the concern about traffic on the streets for which it is the highway authority.
I welcome the consultation with regard to the We are sorry to hear that news of our consultation Works intended to improve safety of failed to reach certain businesses in Tooting. Our pedestrians and cyclists. While the TFL aim to was reach all affected parties in the area, by consultation gave many opportunities for arranging a letter drop to all properties in the comment, there remains a significant business immediate vicinity and displaying advertisements community who remain unaware of the works. online, in local shops and in local newsletters. Some reasons are that they are small businesses with low IT skills and for some it has been a busy period and 1to1 contact has not been possible. I would like to make the following comments. 1.Tooting town centre has many good and The proposed inset loading bays will be for off-peak relatively wide pavements. There are 20+ use only, where pavements will be less crowded and loading bays created by reducing or halving licences have not been granted for goods to be the relevant pavements. This is likely to create displayed on the highway. a level of unease for pedestrians and local businesses. Additionally some pavements outside shops are privately owned.
62 2.The 20mph limit raises many questions Research has shown that 20mph zones have no net about a complex set of issues. Will traffic flow negative effect on emissions and they dramatically be slowed? Will there be more stop and start reduce road danger. They also support a shift to motion? Will there be greater use of 1st and walking and cycling, generate less traffic noise and 2nd gears in vehicles? Will there be an impact reduce community severance. Vehicles also move on safety as there are some reports of neutral more smoothly with fewer accelerations and benefit of such a move? decelerations. 3.How will air quality be affected? How will it It is not anticipated that there will be any decline in be looked at and what will be plan B if the air air quality as a result of these proposals. quality issues mimic Putney High Street Conversely, it is likely that there will be long-term air levels? quality improvements as the proposals promote modal transfer away from the car and to walking and cycling.
We are planning to re-fit around 5,000 buses so that they meet the highest emissions standards (Euro VI) as quickly as possible. This often means replacing a bus's exhaust system, although in some cases it may require the engine to be replaced. The introduction and expansion of these technologies play a key role in improving the air we breathe in London.
Over 2,600 diesel-electric hybrid buses currently run through the Capital, making up 30% of our bus fleet. All of these buses are quieter, more fuel-efficient and cleaner than standard diesel buses, reducing emissions by between 30%-40%. From 2018, all new double-deck buses entering our fleet will be diesel-hybrid meeting Euro VI emissions standards. 4.Tooting is a complex town centre. We have Our priority is to ensure that the TLRN caters for the St Georges Hospital, a busy hospital, the 2 efficient and safe movement of traffic, especially markets which now have a significant draw of vulnerable road users and buses. It is not footfall particularly in the evenings and unreasonable to expect loading to take place nights,many good restaurants and pubs, some outside of day-time hours throughout the week to very busy supermarkets and stores in the ensure that we meet that priority. town. There is also a vibrant ethnic offer from shops specialising in garments, jewellery, world foods and more. Many shoppers come from long distances to shop in our town centre. Most businesses will support loading bays to be operating from Monday to Friday. There is no need for the restrictions to operate on Saturdays and Sundays. 5.Loading bays are not parking bays. However TfL's policy is to promote the use of alternative we need to be flexible and imaginative to allow modes of transport to the motor car. Evidence has for vital conveniences to be delivered in our shown that where this approach is applied in town town centres, for the economic viability of the centres that businesses are more successful. Blue town. While I fully agree that less cars should Badge holders may park in LBW bays. be used for small trips in support of cycling,there is a need for some flexibility and imagination and allow 10 minute parking close to GP practices, Pharmacies, Mosques, Churches, drop off, etc. The business community will be happy to jointly work on this issue.
63 6.Tooting is waiting for a considerable amount Traffic management asscoiated with construction of possible works. Apart from the TFL works will be designed to ensure that access to works,there may be Cross rail works, RACS properties is maintained. building site at the corner of Upper Tooting Road and Hebdon Road and more. Businesses are concerned about the transition time and its effect on the local economy. Then there are the general aspects about the weakening High Street and the growing on line offer. Town centres like hours should deliver a good shopping experience. 7. We like the proposals for Totterdown Street.
Conclusion
We are generally supportive of the works but the above points and more should be given a good consideration. .
Such a [continuous footway] design makes it Continuous footways were proposed as a new type unclear whether a side road is a road or not, of pavement treatment at side road junctions where and will likely increase pedestrian accidents the pavement continues straight across a side road rather than reduce them. Pedestrians and junction to give the impression of one continuous vehicle drivers will both be confused to the pavement. Continuous footways seek to prioritise detriment of safety. pedestrian movements by encouraging vehicles to slow down and give way to pedestrians. Aspects of these facilities have raised concerns about their possible impact on the young, elderly and people with certain disabilities especially in Tooting where traffic flows into side roads are high. We are undertaking a design review of continuous footways to assess their impact at locations with differing characteristics such as pedestrian flows, traffic flows, turning movements, geometry etc. and using selected trial sites across London to look at whether any design changes are needed and any information on where and how this approach can be best used across our network.
Whilst I wholeheartedly support the aims of There is no notable displacement of traffic expected this proposal, to improve safety for as part of these proposals and the scheme has the pedestrians and cyclists and to reduce traffic support of the Borough. speed, I would like to ensure that any changes made to Totterdown Road or the surrounding streets do not create an unintended adverse effect. It is important to ensure that any changes do not create "rat-runs" in other streets, particularly Franciscan Road which already has its own challenges with both volume and speed of traffic. As the location of two primary schools, it is imperative that children can walk, cycle and scoot safely to and from school so any proposal should seek to minimise both traffic levels and pollution from this already busy street.
64 Have you considered adding a diagonal A north-south diagonal crossing was considered at crossing at the Tooting Broadway junction the junction but there is insufficient space to do this similar to that at Tooting Bec? I believe this without moving other pedestrian crossings to would improve the safety of pedestrians who locations off pedestrians' preferred route. currently do not have enough time to cross both roads on a single "green man" phase. As a cyclist, who regularly cycles between The Mayor’s Cycling Action Plan published in early Tooting Broadway and Canary Wharf, I find by 2019 sets out the Mayor’s commitment to continuing far, the least cycle friendly part of the route is to improve the quality of the cycle network by that between Tooting Broadway and Balham - introducing new Quality Criteria. Our principal focus particularly the southbound route where the is on delivering new, high-quality cycle routes in the amount of vehicles parked in the cycle places where it is most needed. However, TfL superhighway in the early evening renders it remain committed to taking opportunities to improve close to pointless. the existing cycle network where possible and where appropriate. Going forward all new and existing routes will be incorporated into a single unified cycle network, known as Cycleways. As part of our work to roll out the Cycleways network, we will be assessing all completed routes including Cycle Superhighways against the new quality criteria. While our expectation is that the majority of our existing routes will meet the criteria, we know that there will be sections of routes which do not achieve this quality criteria. Where a route does not meet the quality criteria we will consider whether any upgrade work is feasible in the short term to bring it up to the required standard.
65 Appendix B: Consultation letter/leaflet
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71 Appendix C : Consultation questions
Please let us know in what capacity you are answering these questions, please tick all that apply
Pedestrian, Cyclist, powered two wheel user, driver (professional), driver (leisure), resident, business owner, other (please describe)
Q – What are your top 3 priorities for Tooting TC tick all that apply
Leisure
Shopping
Green space
Cycle access
Pedestrian access
Business improvement
Travel by vehicle
Travel by bus
Q: This scheme proposes the use of continuous footways over side road junctions. This is a relatively new design feature on Transport for London’s road network and in order to create the feel of a continuous footway, tactile paving and kerbs are omitted from side road crossing points. Please let us know to what extent you support or oppose this new design feature.
Strongly support
Support
Neither support or oppose
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Not sure
Please let us know if you have any comments about this design feature and how it may impact on you or a group you represent.
Free text box
Q: Do you support or oppose our proposals to widen and raise to pavement level, the existing pedestrian crossings along Tooting High Street, Mitcham Road and Upper Tooting Road ? 72 Strongly support
Support
Neither support or oppose
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Not sure
Could you let us know what influenced your answer?
Tick box - Accessibility, ease of cycling, bus journey times, environmental concerns, vehicle journey times, better for pedestrians, safety
Q: Do you support or oppose our proposals to introduce signals at the junction of Longmead Road and Mitcham Lane. Which will provide a green-man phase across all arms at the same time?
Strongly support
Support
Neither support or oppose
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Not sure
Could you let us know what influenced your answer?
Tick box - Accessibility, ease of cycling, bus journey times, environmental concerns, vehicle journey times, better for pedestrians, safety
Q: Do you support or oppose our proposals to introduce a new crossing over Tooting High Street near Selkirk Road.
Strongly support
Support
Neither support or oppose
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Not sure
Could you let us know what influenced your answer? 73 Tick box - Accessibility, ease of cycling, bus journey times, environmental concerns , vehicle journey times, better for pedestrians, safety
Q: Do you support our proposal to make Lessingham Avenue left-turn only on to Upper Tooting Road.
Strongly support
Support
Neither support or oppose
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Not sure
Could you let us know what influenced your answer?
Tick box - Accessibility, ease of cycling, bus journey times, environmental concerns , vehicle journey times, better for pedestrians, safety
Q: Do you support our proposal to make Derinton Road right-turn only on to Upper Tooting Road.
Strongly support
Support
Neither support or oppose
Oppose
Strongly oppose
Not sur
Could you let us know what influenced you answer
Tick box - Accessibility, ease of cycling, bus journey times, environmental concerns , vehicle journey times, better for pedestrians, safety
Q: Do you support our proposal to introduce a new one-way facility on Moffat Road and Hereward Road whereby Moffat Road would be entry only from Upper Tooting Road and exit only from Hereward Road on to Upper Tooting Road.
Strongly support
Support
Neither support or oppose
Oppose 74 Strongly oppose
Not sure
Could you let us know what influenced your answer?
Tick box - Accessibility, ease of cycling, bus journey times, environmental concerns, vehicle journey times, better for pedestrians, safety
Q: Do you have any comments or suggestions about our proposal for Totterdown Street that you would like us to take forward for further consideration ?
Free text Box
Q: Do you have any comments about any other aspect of the proposal that you haven’t mentioned previously?
Free text box
75