Mixed reception for traffic slowdown test-run on Wandsworth Bridge approach
By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter
Parklets installed along a busy road have been slammed as ‘obscene creations’ by opposition councillors – though the scheme has also drawn praise for its impact on traffic.
Over the last couple of months, Hammersmith and Fulham council has installed a series of seating and planters along Wandsworth Bridge Road, known as ‘parklets’, with more in the process of being added.
A council webpage on the works states the intention is to turn the road into a ‘destination high street’, reducing congestion and pollution and supporting local businesses.
Not all, however, agree with the installations. There have been posts on Nextdoor expressing opposition to the scheme, while MailOnline recently spoke with several local businesses raising concerns from the aesthetics of the parklets to issues with deliveries.
The local Conservative opposition group has launched a petition calling for the removal of the parklets, which they say create an ‘obstacle course’ on the road.
Cllr Jose Afonso, the group’s environment spokesman, said: “We all want to see a safe road and a thriving community – but this just isn’t how to do it. It’s a main road serving a bridge and connecting two busy parts of London, used by buses, delivery vehicles and emergency services.
“Making it into an obstacle course that forces cyclists into the path of traffic is a potentially lethal move. For people’s safety it’s time to put politics aside and remove these parklets.”
The council says the interim scheme includes not just parklets, but improvements to side street junctions, pedestrian crossings and decluttering pavements.
The current measures are an experiment, which Hammersmith and Fulham will be analysing over the next 18 months prior to implementing a permanent scheme.
A town hall spokesman said: “These measures have safety at their heart. They will reduce congestion on the road, manage vehicle speeds more effectively and create a safer, more accessible environment while increasing opportunities for businesses.”
Among those unconvinced are Leigh Durrant, 41, who lives a short distance from Wandsworth Bridge Road. She described the parklets as “a waste of time and a waste of money.”
She said: “I don’t know where they have come from. I think they are ridiculous. I don’t know who would want to sit on the road. I think it’s mad.”
Asked how she felt about the project, Irene West, 78, said: “Nightmare. Absolute nightmare.
“Everything is channelled down this road and now they are putting these parklet things in. It’s just crazy. The traffic’s bad enough on this road.”
Aycine Bellaouel, 35, who cycles regularly along the road for work, said the slowing down of vehicles was a positive. “For the driver it’s better because before I remember this road. There was a lot of accidents,” he said.
Casey Abaraonye, from Hammersmith and Fulham Cycling, praised the council’s changes as “returning it from a highway to a high street.”
“The redesign and signing are turning it into a place where people want to come and spend time, use the local facilities, and patronise the local artisan businesses.
“Having previously had people speed down the road at over 90mph, this is a welcome and much needed direction of development.”
Hammersmith and Fulham council said: “We made a strong commitment to enhance and improve the Wandsworth Bridge Road during the consultations over the Clean Air Neighbourhood camera schemes to the east and west.
“Residents and businesses have told us they want a high street not a highway. These works are designed to start that journey towards returning Wandsworth Bridge Road to its former self, as a high street at the centre of the community.”
Pictured top: Irene West is not a fan of the changes (Picture: LDRS)