Wandsworth Council Under Intense Pressure Over Controversial £1 Million Traffic Redesign
Wandsworth Council is confronting escalating demands to address severe rat-running traffic issues following its contentious £1 million overhaul of two critical junctions in Putney. The Labour-led authority has already conceded that the redesign of the intersections at Putney High Street with Putney Bridge Road and Lower Richmond Road, near Putney Bridge, has generated unforeseen congestion, despite its goal to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists.
Residents and Businesses Voice Frustration Over 'Absolute Disaster'
Since the scheme's completion in December 2024, frustrated residents and local businesses have been urging the council to take immediate action to alleviate the gridlock. Many have labeled the project an "absolute disaster," citing persistent traffic jams that have disrupted daily life, causing delays for work and school commutes, deterring visitors, and making some residents hesitant to leave their homes.
At a recent transport committee meeting on February 11, council officers faced intense questioning about progress in tackling traffic diverted onto residential side streets as drivers seek to avoid the main road congestion. Conservative councillor John Locker highlighted a surge of emails from constituents emphasizing that problems with the scheme persist, with residents awaiting feedback on measures to reduce through-traffic in their neighborhoods.
Design Flaws and Cost Overruns Exacerbate Issues
The redesign, initially proposed under the previous Conservative administration and adopted by Labour after gaining control in 2022, was based on data collected just before the end of Covid-19 lockdowns in July 2021. This data incorrectly assumed Hammersmith Bridge would reopen by 2026, skewing traffic projections. Key changes included adding a new cycle lane and bus lane, installing traffic lights that give cyclists a few seconds' head start, modifying pedestrian islands, and reducing lanes on approaches to the bridge.
While intended to have a neutral impact on traffic, an independent review prompted a council report in November to admit the redesign caused unexpected congestion, leaving the authority "extremely concerned." Financially, the project has exceeded its approved £835,000 budget by £100,000, with an additional £250,000 anticipated for adjustments.
Local Testimonies Highlight Daily Havoc
Residents have shared vivid accounts of the chaos. Kieren McCarthy described the changes as causing "havoc from day one," noting that traffic conditions worsened rather than improved. Michael Wilson, 73, called the congestion "murder," particularly criticizing the cycle lane implementation and stating that the area is "chock-a-block" most of the time since the redesign.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans
Council officers, led by assistant director of engineering Henry Cheung, are engaging with the Putney Action Group to discuss potential measures to curb rat-running, with plans for public consultation. Recent adjustments, such as modifying traffic light timings in October and January, have shown some queue improvements on Lower Richmond Road and Putney Bridge Road. Further works include reassigning lanes on Putney High Street to reduce bus-related delays and realigning kerbs near TK Maxx to accommodate larger vehicles.
The council is also pressing Transport for London (TfL) to review bus stop locations and driver changeovers, with plans to remove a central traffic island outside Snappy Snaps and KFC by October to aid traffic flow. TfL has acknowledged the congestion's impact and is collaborating with the council on weekly working groups to implement efficiency improvements, with additional changes planned for Putney High Street.
Political Responses and Safety Considerations
Councillor Locker, who is not seeking re-election in May, urged continued dialogue with residents and pressure on TfL, emphasizing the scheme's negative impact on quality of life. Labour councillor Annamarie Critchard defended the redesign's original safety intentions, noting its aim to reduce road deaths for pedestrians and cyclists, while acknowledging the slow progress and frustration. She stressed the need for cautious, evidence-based adjustments to avoid exacerbating the situation.
As Wandsworth Council navigates this transport crisis, the focus remains on balancing safety enhancements with practical traffic management, amid growing calls for effective solutions to restore normalcy in Putney's streets.
