Lambeth Bridge north and south Response to issues commonly raised March 2020 [Type text] Contents Background ............................................................................................................ 3 Healthy Streets approach ....................................................................................... 3 Vision Zero ............................................................................................................. 4 Survey results ......................................................................................................... 4 Conclusion.............................................................................................................. 5 Next steps .............................................................................................................. 7 Response to issues commonly raised .................................................................... 8 1. Current road layout ............................................................................................. 8 2. The new road layout ........................................................................................... 9 3. Cycling...............................................................................................................13 4. Traffic impacts ...................................................................................................19 5. Environment ......................................................................................................21 6. Buses ................................................................................................................22 7. Walking..............................................................................................................23 8. Taxis ..................................................................................................................24 9. Larger vehicles, commercial drivers and deliveries ...........................................25 10. Albert Embankment underpasses ...................................................................25 11. 20mph zones and traffic enforcement .............................................................26 12. Heritage setting and changes to the urban realm ............................................27 13. Road safety .....................................................................................................27 14. Security ...........................................................................................................28 15. Other comments ..............................................................................................29 16. Consultation ....................................................................................................29 Appendix A: Revised plans following consultation ………………………….……....33 Appendix B: Likely journey time impacts following changes to the design post consultation…………………………………………………………………………...…39 2 Background Between 26 June and 20 August 2017 we consulted on proposals for changes to the road layout at the northern and southern roundabouts at Lambeth Bridge. We also proposed changes to two approach roads and to the bridge itself. Our plans were presented in five geographic sections to enable us to build a picture of what respondents were concerned about, or talked about in their comments. We also sought views regarding a potential 20mph zone in the area, the current underpass at Albert Embankment and suggestions for the relocation of the palm tree at Lambeth Bridge north, should the proposals be taken forward. We received 2,058 responses to the consultation. Of these, 688 responses were generated by email campaigns and 44 responses were received from stakeholders. For more information please see the consultation report which details the processes, responses and outcomes of the consultation in more detail. As a result of the feedback received in response to our consultation, some changes have been made to the proposals. Further detail about our intended way forward for the scheme is set out below. Healthy Streets approach Lambeth Bridge and the junctions either side have been designed with the aims of the Healthy Streets Approach at their heart. The Healthy Streets Approach puts people, and their health, at the heart of decision making. This results in a healthier, more inclusive city where people choose to walk, cycle and use public transport. The Healthy Streets Approach is not an idealised vision for a model street. It is a long-term plan for improving Londoners' and visitors' experiences of our streets, helping everyone to be more active and enjoy the health benefits of being on our streets. Eighty per cent of Londoners' travel happens on our streets. The best way to get more people out walking, cycling and using public transport is to improve the quality of the experience of being on those streets. The Healthy Streets Approach focuses on creating streets that are pleasant, safe and attractive, where noise, air pollution, accessibility and lack of seating and shelter are not barriers that prevent people - particularly our most vulnerable people - from getting out and about. 3 Vision Zero Vision Zero is at the heart of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS) - a fundamental belief that no death or serious injury on London’s roads and transport network is acceptable. We want to create a city where walking, cycling and public transport are the easy, convenient and enjoyable choice for people travelling in London but we know people will only walk and cycle if they feel safe. The Vision Zero Action Plan, published in July, sets out how we will achieve this by: o Lowering speeds o Redesigning streets to reduce conflict between road users o Allowing only the safest vehicles to use our roads o Engaging and educating people about travelling safely in London o Learning from collisions and better supporting the people who have been involved Survey results Millbank: thirty-four per cent of respondents supported or partially supported proposals to convert the Millbank north junction with Great Peter Street into a signalised pedestrian crossing. Thirty-eight per cent were opposed or strongly opposed. Lambeth Bridge north: thirty-seven per cent of respondents supported or partially supported proposals to change the road layout at Lambeth Bridge north. Forty-one per cent were opposed or strongly opposed. Forty-two per cent of respondents supported or partially supported a reduction in the speed limit at Lambeth Bridge north to 20mph, and twenty-five per cent were opposed or strongly opposed. Lambeth Bridge: forty per cent of respondents supported or partially supported proposals to the road layout at Lambeth Bridge. Thirty-four per cent were opposed or strongly opposed. Lambeth Bridge south: thirty-nine per cent of respondents supported or partially supported proposals to change the road layout at Lambeth Bridge south. Thirty- seven per cent were opposed or strongly opposed. Forty-one per cent supported or partially supported a reduction in the speed limit at Lambeth Bridge south to 20mph, and twenty-six per cent were opposed or strongly opposed. Lambeth Palace Road: thirty-two percent of respondents supported or partially supported our proposals to change to the road layout at Lambeth Palace Road. Thirty-four per cent were opposed or strongly opposed. 4 Conclusion Following careful consideration of the consultation responses received, our current intention is to progress the proposals as set out below, subject to internal approvals and formal agreements from both London Borough of Lambeth (LBL) and Westminster City Council (WCC). Revised drawings illustrating these changes are available in Appendix A. Millbank and Lambeth Bridge north: in light of feedback received during the consultation, we have worked with WCC to amend the design to further mitigate concerns regarding possible traffic reassignment onto local roads by retaining: - the right turn from Millbank south onto Lambeth Bridge at all times of day. In the original proposal it was not possible to turn right from Millbank south onto Lambeth Bridge during the evening peak, - the left turn from Millbank north onto Lambeth Bridge for all traffic. In the original proposal only buses and pedal cyclists could turn left from Millbank north onto Lambeth Bridge via a slip road. The latter change also negates any need for changes to Millbank at the junction with Great Peter Street. Implementing these changes into the design reduces the likelihood of vehicles seeking an alternative route away from the junction and the predicted volume of traffic on local roads in the vicinity of Lambeth Bridge northern junction. However together with WCC we will monitor the impact the changes will have on local roads upon scheme completion to understand the impact on traffic volumes in the area. If shown to be required through the monitoring, a pre-agreed mitigation strategy will be implemented on WCC roads. The details of this are still being discussed. We are committed to improving the safety of vulnerable road users through making changes to Lambeth Bridge northern junction layout. As such we will replace the originally proposed advisory cycle lanes shown in the consultation with mandatory lanes. However whilst enabling more movements at the junction as described above it has become necessary to introduce staggered pedestrian crossings on both Millbank north and Millbank south. This is to reduce delays to bus journey times whilst continuing to provide a safe means