Putney High Street Hell
Wandsworth Council are creating further traffic disruption on Putney High Street in the run up to Christmas. On top of the additional traffic congestion due to the Hammersmith Bridge closure, the Council are planning to install new bicycle lanes and traffic lanes during what should the busiest time of year for retailers.
At the recent Council meeting, Cllr. Yates (responsible for transport) dismissed a petition from over a 1,000 residents asking for the works to be delayed to a quieter time of year and outside of school terms. Cllr. Yates claimed that extensive modeling had been carried out in conjunction with TfL to minimize disruption. However it is not clear why the works could not be completed over the summer lull during the slower period for traffic and retailers. Nor is it clear why the Council were unable to persuade TfL to take better account of Putney business’ and residents’ legitimate concerns with respect to the timing of works.
Looking for solutions
The current end date for the works is the 21st December, right to the start of the Christmas holidays. There is no light at the end of the tunnel for Putney residents and other users of Putney High Street in the near future. LibDems will be holding meetings to try to find pragmatic solutions to better manage the situation and minimize disruption for High Street retailers and users.
Hammersmith Bridge
Sadly there is no progress to report regarding Hammersmith Bridge. Now that Labour run Hammersmith & Fulham Council (the bridge owner), London Mayor / TfL, and central government it had been hoped that progress could be made after five years of Labour/Conservative grid-lock. Lib Dem MP for Richmond Park, Sarah Olney, and Richmond Council Leader and London assembly member, Gareth Roberts, will continue to pressure both Central and London government for an update on their plans with respect to the double decker solution proposed by Fosters and COWI.