Have your say on current schemes

Lewisham Council is planning to introduce a new bus priority route along Southend Lane as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) initiative to enhance the speed, reliability, and efficiency of the bus network.

The current proposal includes:

• new bus lane: A new 665-meter westbound bus lane from Worsley Bridge to Farmstead Road.
• road modifications: Conversion of the central traffic island into a road to create space for the new bus lane.
• junction: Modification to the King Alfred Avenue junction layout and operational timing of the signals at the pedestrian crossing.

You can view the proposed design for the bus lane below:

• Southend Lane  - proposed designs

Why?

This project is part of TfL’s bus priority programme, which aims to make bus journeys 10% quicker than in 2015. Improving bus journey times benefits current passengers, attracts new users, and generates savings that can be reinvested into providing better connections, vehicles, stops and shelters. Southend lane has been identified as a priority location.

Frequently asked questions

What construction works will be undertaken for the new road restrictions?

Construction is scheduled to start early 2025 and will include:

• removing the central reservation and traffic island on Southend Lane
• constructing a new carriageway where the central reservation was
• relining the westbound carriageway into a bus priority lane
• modifying the layout of signal crossings along the road
• installing rain gardens where feasible

What vehicles will be able to use the bus priority lane?

Buses, taxis, cyclists, motorcycles, and emergency vehicles.

Will any parking spaces be removed?

No parking spaces will be removed as a part of this scheme. The project will add electric vehicle charging points, cycle hangars for secure cycle parking and cycle hire parking bays.

How can I have my say on the scheme?

You are invited to give feedback by completing our online survey, which will be available from 1 October 2024 until 8 November 2024. The consultation will run for six weeks.

What are the hours of operation for the bus lane?

The bus lane is proposed to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This will be reviewed as part of the design process.

How is this being funded? Does it come out of my Council Tax?

This project will be fully funded by TfL and will not come out of your Council Tax.

Will this scheme cause more traffic or a bottleneck at Worsley Bridge?

No, converting the middle lane to a regular traffic lane won’t change the amount of congestion. The bus lane ends before Worsley Bridge, so we don’t expect any extra traffic there, however this will be monitored post implementation. 

There is also ongoing works looking at the performance of Worsley Bridge junction, which will be a separate project, linked into the Bell Green gyratory.

Will the new bus lane make it harder to access shops on Southend Lane (like Sainsbury’s)?

No, the scheme won’t affect access to shops. You can still get to all the shops, and parking will be available in designated bays on the road instead of the footway. There won’t be more congestion because the number of lanes will stay the same.

Will removing the traffic island make it unsafe for pedestrians?

No, we’ll keep the same number of formal crossing points and guide pedestrians towards them. Using these will be safer than pedestrians waiting on the central island.

Will there be more parking enforcement in the area?

The scheme aims to minimise the reduction of residential parking spaces. Parking will move from the footway to the road. 

There will be a consultation for this area soon for the sustainable streets project which will review parking in more detail.

Will this scheme affect vehicle safety with busier and narrower roads?

We’ve undertaken vehicle tracking to make sure vehicles can move safely at all junctions. The lane widths are within safety standards, and narrower lanes usually make drivers slow down, which can improve safety.

What happens next?

The consultation period will end on 8 November 2024. Following this, the Council will review all the responses, which will inform the next steps and final proposals for the project.

Overview

We are proposing road safety improvements on Lee Terrace and Belmont Hill to encourage drivers to slow down, reduce the chance of collisions and make the road safer for all users.

The current proposals include:

• introducing new traffic calming measures at Lee Terrace and Belmont Hill
• introducing junction improvements to the mini roundabout between Lee Terrace, Lee Road and Lee Park to provide better crossing provision, and slow down vehicles entering and exiting the junction
• exploring the relocation of the parking bays along the east end of Lee Terrace, from the southern to the northern side of the carriageway

You can view the proposed measures in this drawing.

Background

In 2022 and 2023, the Council undertook a Collision Data Review to identify priority locations in the borough that are experiencing higher collision levels.

This review has recommended improvements at these priority locations to reduce the number of collisions, particularly those involving vulnerable road users, and people who are killed and seriously injured (KSI). The study aligns with the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy Vision Zero target of no KSIs by 2041.

The Collision Data Review report identified Lee Terrace and Belmont Hill as one of the top thirty most dangerous (priority) roads and junctions in the borough. The report notes that there are no existing physical traffic calming measures along here and vehicle speeds are high compared with the current 20mph speed limit.

To address this, a road safety improvement design has been developed for the route, and we are now asking for feedback on the proposals from the local community.

Share your views

Residents, businesses and those who use Lee Terrace and Belmont Hill are invited to give feedback about the proposals by completing our online survey and or by emailing the email below for a paper survey.

You can give feedback from Monday 9 September until Sunday 6 October 2024.

Following the consultation period, the Council will review all responses received, which will inform the next steps and final proposals for the project.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact activetravel@lewisham.gov.uk with the subject 'Lee Terrace and Belmont Hill'.

Frequently asked questions

Why are these measures being proposed?

We are proposing new speed cushions along Lee Terrace and Belmont Hill to encourage vehicles to slow down and to make the road safer for all users. We have identified that there are no existing physical traffic calming measures here and vehicle speeds are high compared with the current 20mph speed limit.

We are also exploring options to improve to the mini-roundabout between Lee Terrace, Lee Road and Lee Park to provide better crossing provision and slow down vehicles entering and exiting the junction. The options being considered include: 

• option 1: Introducing a new zebra crossing at the northern arm of the roundabout on Lee Road
• option 2: Introducing a new zebra crossing at the western arm of the roundabout on Lee Terrace
• option 3: Re-aligning the junction to reduce vehicle entry and exit speeds. For example, this may include re-positioning and raising of the centre of the roundabout, adjusting traffic islands and give-way lines, or widening of the footways and/or narrowing of the carriageway

The preferred option will be selected following the consultation and further data collection to take forward to the next design stage and construction.

In addition to the above, the proposals also include the option to relocate the parking bays along the east end of Lee Terrace, from the southern to the northern side of the carriageway. The parking bays are being proposed on the opposite side of the carriageway because of the traffic disruption caused by regular construction work taking place outside 55-57 Lee Terrace to repair the manholes/service covers that are frequently being damaged by heavy vehicles. The potential relocation of the parking bays would reduce the number of heavy vehicles driving over the covers and therefore lessen damage to them. This will help to lower the amount of repair work needed and reduce traffic disruption as a result.

Are these the final designs?

No, this is an initial design and the feedback collected from this consultation will help to guide the design development. All feedback received will be reviewed and taken into consideration as part of the next steps of design.

Who can comment on the designs?

The Council is seeking feedback from residents, community groups, businesses and those who use the road. It is important that the project is being delivered with the interests of all road users in mind.

What impact will the finished scheme have on traffic and journey times?

It is not expected that the traffic and journey times will be impacted following the implementation of the scheme.

When will construction start?

The Council plans to start construction in early 2025.

How will the works disrupt traffic in the area?

Although it is too early to provide details about construction of this project, the Council will work closely with our contractors to ensure that disruption to traffic will be reduced.

Will this road safety scheme be monitored following implementation?

Yes, we will be collecting traffic data and collision data at Lee Terrace following construction to monitor the effectiveness of the measures proposed as part of this project.

For any concerns or questions, please email activetravel@lewisham.gov.uk with the title 'Lee Terrace and Belmont Hill'.

Lewisham Council is proposing a trial road restriction at Cold Blow Lane in New Cross to improve road safety and encourage walking and cycling. From Monday, 29 July 2024 the road between Mercury Way and Sanford Walk, will be closed to motor vehicles (motorcycles, cars, vans and heavy goods vehicles) until further notice.

Why?

Overtime the community has been concerned about this section of road being dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists - and particularly for school children. There have been multiple petitions and campaigns calling for change. This trial scheme responds to these concerns and aims at making Cold Blow Lane safer for walking and cycling. 

Important details

• the restrictions will be enforced using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras under an Experimental Traffic Order
• only authorised vehicles (including the emergency services) will be allowed to drive through Cold Blow Lane during the trial scheme, from Monday 29 July 2024
• construction starts from Monday, 29 July 2024 to Friday, 2 August 2024 in preparation for the trial restriction.

Map of area impacted 

Share your views

Residents and those who use Cold Blow Lane are welcome to give feedback about the changes during the first 6 months of the Experimental Traffic Order by visiting our online survey or by emailing the contact address below for a paper survey.

You can give feedback until Friday 31 January 2025.

Following the initial 6-month period, the Council will review data and feedback to help decide whether the measures will be amended, removed or made permanent.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact activetravel@lewisham.gov.uk with the subject Cold Blow Lane walking and cycling route

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are you making these changes?

The safety issues at Cold Blow Lane have been the subject of petitions and complaints over many years from our residents.  We are listening to the concerns of our residents and this trial road restriction aims to address these concerns by making the road safer for walking and cycling.

What is an Experimental Traffic Order?

Experimental Traffic Orders (ETO) are like standard Traffic Orders but are designed to review the effectiveness of the scheme while in operation. The Council will be collecting data such as traffic surveys to see how the trial restrictions impact the local area along with survey feedback. Following the initial 6-month period, the Council will assess the data and feedback to help decide whether the measures will be amended, removed or made permanent.

How long will the road restrictions be in place?

Currently the plans are to keep the road restrictions in place for a maximum of 18 months as part of the trial, until 31 January 2026. However, depending on the outcome of the consultation and the data collected over the trial period, the restrictions may be amended, removed or made permanent before this date. Any plans for major changes will be communicated to residents.

What construction works will be undertaken for the new road restrictions?

Construction works are planned between Monday 29 July – Friday 2 August 2024.

We will:

• undertake minor highway modifications at the junction between Cold Blow Lane and Mercury Way
• install advance warning signs at Surrey Canal Road, Mercury Way, Sanford Street and Cold Blow Lane to notify and inform drivers of the new road layout and the new camera-enforced restrictions

What road should I use instead of Cold Blow Lane?

Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to remain using Cold Blow Lane and enjoy the benefits of a quieter and safer road.

Those who are driving are encouraged to use Surrey Canal Road or New Cross Road as an alternative route to reach your destination. Unlike Cold Blow Lane, these roads are designed with carriageway widths that are suitable for higher volumes of traffic.

I live in Sanford Walk. How will I be affected by the new road restrictions?

The restrictions do not go beyond Sanford Walk to ensure that residents at Sanford Walk can retain access to their properties without being affected by the measures.

What happens if I drive through Cold Blow Lane?

Only authorised vehicles such as the emergency services can drive through Cold Blow Lane between Mercury Way and Sanford Walk after the 29 July 2024 until further notice.

Unauthorised vehicles will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for violating the traffic order.

Public consultation for road safety improvements at Hither Green Lane and Courthill Road

We are proposing road safety improvements on Hither Green Lane and Courthill Road to encourage vehicles to slow down, reduce the chance of collisions and make the road safer all users.

The current proposals include:

• introducing new traffic calming measures along Courthill Road
• replacing existing speed cushions with new traffic calming measures along Hither Green Lane to increase effectiveness in speed reduction
• introducing junction improvements at the mini-roundabout between Hither Green Lane and Courthill Road to improve crossing provision for pedestrians
• installing a raised entry treatment at the west end of Ennersdale Road to encourage vehicles to slow down before turning at the junction.
• upgrading the existing crossing outside of 211 Hither Green Lane from a zebra crossing to a signalised crossing to provide a safer route to Brindishe Green Primary School (located on Beacon Road)

• view details of the proposals in this drawing

Background

In 2022 and 2023, the Council undertook a Collision Data Review to identify priority locations in the borough that are experiencing higher collision levels. This Review has recommended improvements at these priority locations to reduce the number of collisions, particularly those involving vulnerable road users, and people who are killed and seriously injured (KSI). The study aligns with the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy Vision Zero target of no KSIs by 2041.

The Collision Data Review report identified Hither Green Lane and Courthill Road as one of the top ten most dangerous (priority) roads and junctions in the borough.

To address this, a road safety improvement design has been developed for the area, and we will soon be asking for feedback on the proposals from the local community. 

Residents, businesses and those who use Hither Green Lane and Courthill Road are invited to give feedback about the proposals by completing our online survey and or by emailing the email below for a paper survey.

You can give feedback until Wednesday, 2 October 2024.

Following the consultation period, the Council will review the feedback, which will help inform the next steps and final proposals for the project.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact activetravel@lewisham.gov.uk with the subject Hither Green Lane and Courthill Road.

Frequently asked questions

Why are these traffic changes being proposed?

We are proposing these traffic calming measures along Hither Green Lane and Courthill Road to drivers to slow down and make the road safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, and minimise the chances of collisions. Traffic calming measures are being proposed on this section of Courthill Road as there are currently no existing physical measures there. It is recognised that the existing speed cushions on Hither Green Lane are not as effective as they should be in slowing down vehicles, so these are proposed to be replaced and improved.

The mini-roundabout between Courthill Road and Hither Green Lane has been identified as a collision hot spot along the route. To reduce chances of collision, we are proposing the junction be re-aligned and dropped kerbs and tactile paving are also added to improve safety for pedestrians. Tactile paving and textured ground surface indicators to help visually impaired pedestrians.

Other collision hot spots include the junction with Brightside Road and the junction with Ennersdale Road. At Brightside Road we are proposing a raised speed table to further reduce vehicle speed. At Ennersdale Road, we are proposing a raised entry treatment at the approach with Hither Green Lane to improve pedestrian crossing and to encourage drivers to slow down before turning.

The zebra crossing located outside 211 Hither Green Lane is proposed to be converted to a signalised raised toucan crossing. This is proposed to improve crossing provision for both pedestrians and cyclists and provide a safer route to school for pupils of Brindishe Green Primary School located on Beacon Road.

There are existing speed cushions at Hither Green Lane which are not effective at slowing down vehicles - how will the new measures be different?

The existing speed cushions at Hither Green Lane will be removed and replaced with more effective traffic calming measures. New speed cushions proposed along the route will be designed with amended widths and spacings to increase effectiveness at slowing down vehicles. 

How have the designs been developed?

We have used the data collected from the collision data review report to identify key areas on the route that need improving

Various draft options were developed and compared against one another, considering factors including effectiveness of the measures, how they will affect road users, and costs for implementing them. The current proposal has been selected as the preferred option following this design analysis.

Are these the final designs?

No, this is an initial design and the feedback collected from this consultation will help to guide the design development. All feedback received from residents, businesses and community groups will be reviewed and taken into consideration as part of the next steps of design.

Who can comment on the designs?

The Council is seeking feedback from residents, community groups, businesses and those who use the road. It is important that the project is being delivered with the interests of all road users in mind.

What impact will the finished scheme have on traffic and journey times?

It is not expected that the traffic and journey times will be impacted following the implementation of the scheme.

When will construction start?

The Council plans to start construction in early 2025.

How will the works disrupt traffic in the area?

Although it is too early to provide details about construction of this project, the Council will work closely with our contractors to ensure that disruption to traffic will be reduced.

Will this road safety scheme be monitored following implementation?

Yes, we will be collecting traffic data and collision data at Courthill Road and Hither Green Lane following construction to monitor the effectiveness of the measures proposed as part of this project.

For any concerns or questions, please email activetravel@lewisham.gov.uk with the title Hither Green Lane and Courthill Road.