Calls for safety measures on Thames embankment after claims dog killed by car
By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter
Residents are calling for part of an embankment along the River Thames to be pedestrianised after a dog and cyclist were allegedly hit by separate vehicles within minutes of each other.
Wandsworth council said it will consider the petition from residents, which urges the authority to improve safety measures at Putney Embankment.
The petition submitted to the council claims a family dog was killed by a speeding vehicle on January 28 and that a separate vehicle hit a cyclist near the entrance to the towpath just minutes later.
The petition, signed by 64 people, says residents want to work with the council to improve safety measures in the area and protect the community.
The petition proposes pedestrianising sections of the embankment next to popular park Leader’s Gardens and between Festing Road and Rotherwood Road. In the shorter-term, it suggests slashing the speed limit and number of parking spaces in the area.
The petition says: “Putney Embankment is a pedestrian-heavy area greatly valued by the surrounding community. It is heavily used at all times, but in particular by families including the small children and pets who enjoy the playground and green space in Leader’s Gardens and along the towpath.
“However, traffic and congestion on the sections of the embankment not included in the ‘access only’ scheme, adjacent to Leader’s Gardens and between Festing Road and Rotherwood Road, has steadily increased, as has the speed of vehicles.
“Recently, on January 28, 2023, this led to the death of a family dog from a speeding vehicle, followed a few minutes later by a separate vehicle hitting and injuring a woman on a bicycle near the entrance to the towpath.
“The pedestrianisation of this section of Putney Embankment would improve the safety of the area and enhance the general use of one of Putney’s most loved and unique assets. Simultaneously it would help support the council’s wider environment and sustainability strategy.
“In the meantime, a reduction in the speed limit and allowed parking spaces would improve visibility and help to keep residents safe.”
A Wandsworth council spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the petition and will consider it in due course.”
Pictured top: Putney Embankment viewed from Festing Road (Picture: Google Street View)
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