‘Grim’ Greenwich junction where two have been killed may get traffic measures

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A “grim” junction between Shooters Hill Road and Well Hall Road in Greenwich may soon be under new traffic restrictions.

A petition calling for more measures at the section was discussed by the Greenwich council Highways Committee on Wednesday.

Resident Daniel O’Loughlen, who coordinates the Red Lion Lane Neighbourhood Watch, told the meeting that more than 700 people have signed a petition to introduce traffic-calming measures at the junction.

He said two people had previously lost their lives at the junction, and he felt that vehicles were being “prioritised” at the expense of cyclists and pedestrians.

Mr O’Loughlen said: “The warped pavement railings at the Shooters Hill junction actually serve as quite a grim reminder to those near that it’s actually a quite frequent collision spot.”

Rory McCarron, a resident also supporting the petition, said he had witnessed multiple incidents at the junction.

He said: “I’ve witnessed a vehicle crashing into the wall there, with children present, which is unbelievable.

“Something needs to be done to reduce the speed up and down Shooters Hill Road.”

Mr McCarron said he has recently cycled on the pavement in Shooters Hill instead of the road, despite it being illegal.

Labour councillor Danny Thorpe said the “clearly horrendous” situation and signatures on the petition was a clear indication from residents, pupils and teachers at local Christ Church Primary School, in Commercial Street, that there was a problem.

Andrew Burton, head of highways for Greenwich council, said the council and Transport for London were pushing for a green man crossing at the junction, with an update on the scheme not available until late spring.

The highways committee unanimously agreed to recommend a 20mph zone be added outside Christ Church school as soon as possible.

Also included was a request for the police to consider adding speed cameras to the area, and for Transport for London to investigate a way to improve the safety of the Shooters Hill and Well Hall junction.

The recommendations by the committee will be put forward to Greenwich council for a decision on January 25.

Pictured top: The junction of Shooters Hill and Well Hall roads, with warped pavement railings from the frequent crashes in the area (Picture: Google Street View)