New safety measures after jogger killed in Battersea Bridge ‘blackspot’

By Julia Gregory, local democracy reporter

The speed limit will be cut to 20mph and a pedestrian crossing created to improve safety near the Battersea Bridge accident ‘blackspot’ where a jogger died last month.

Transport for London (TfL) brought the moves forward following a campaign by residents and friends of jogger Jack Ryan, who died after he was fatally injured in a collision with a car on the north side of Battersea Bridge.

TfL said it would cut the current speed limit of 30mph and plans to put in a pedestrian crossing with signals to boost safety.

Chelsea resident Rob McGibbon launched a petition calling for safety improvements after witnessing the aftermath of the accident.

The petition has been signed by more than 25,700 people.

In 2017 a 35-year-old motor cyclist died in a collision with a car at the junction and 26 people were injured there in the two years, to 2019.

Mr McGibbon said: ‘Whilst the new crossing is good news, it is deeply saddening and wrong that it took Jack Ryan’s tragic death to galvanise action.

“It is clear that Jack was a hugely popular man, who was dearly loved by his family and so many friends.

“They are still grieving and my thoughts go out to them all.”

He welcomed the move to improve safety and said the determination to bring change has come about “because of people power.”

Campaign groups including the Chelsea Society and Cheyne Walk Trust have been calling for improvements for several years and Kensington and Chelsea council also backed the safety moves.

Mr McGibbon showed TfL commissioner Andy Byford the accident hotspots shortly after launching the campaign.

TfL will start talking to residents and businesses about the new crossing over the next few weeks and fast track the consultation to put the new crossing in “as quickly as possible.”

It will also cut the speed limit on Chelsea Embankment from 30mph to 20mph to help make it safer for vulnerable road users, including walkers and cyclists.

It is also working with Kensington and Chelsea council to create two more pedestrian crossings at Cheyne Walk and Beaufort Street.

There could see a banned left turn into Beaufort Street, to reduce conflict between motor vehicles and cyclists.

Johnny Thalassites, the councillor in charge of planning, place and the environment said: “ Thanks to local voices we are now seeing faster progress from TfL on this dangerous junction. A safe crossing on Battersea Bridge can’t come soon enough and I am glad to see plans being brought forward for residents to comment on.”

Will Norman, London’s walking and  cycling commissioner said: “Making London’s streets safe for vulnerable road users including pedestrians and cyclists is a top priority, and we have taken immediate action to bring forward our proposals for this area.”