Peak-time traffic-curbing measures set for imminent trial in Greenwich
Traffic calming measures will be introduced in west and east Greenwich from November 27 as part of a trial to reduce congestion, improve air pollution and road safety.
The aim is to help make the area safer, more accessible and attractive for people to walk and cycle, by reducing the amount of non-residential traffic passing through the area.
The scheme will include part-time camera-controlled restrictions on weekdays during peak hours (7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm) to stop through traffic on certain roads in west and east Greenwich.
But there will be extended exemptions for Blue Badge holders, taxis, private hire vehicles, council refuse vehicles, and individuals or community groups with special circumstances, such as children with special education needs.
The trial is expected to last a maximum of 18 months.
Roads with restrictions will remain fully accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. Every address will still be accessible by car, though some drivers may need to take alternate routes.
A council spokesman said: “In addition to having one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in London, we also have the fourth highest number of babies being admitted to hospitals for respiratory tract infections, and this scheme is an important part of tackling these issues in west and east Greenwich.
“Tackling air pollution, reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety in these areas is vital to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents.
“We’ve been working closely with the community to develop this scheme, engaging with over 9,200 households and businesses, and getting their feedback on their concerns about through traffic and poor air quality in both neighbourhoods.
“We listened carefully to what local people told us and have used that feedback to shape the trial, including making the restrictions part-time and offering an expanded range of exemptions.”
The roads with restrictions in East Greenwich: Westcombe Hill (junction with Station Crescent), Halstow Road, Vanbrugh Hill (junction with Dinsdale Road), Maze Hill (junction with Tom Smith Close), St Johns Park (junction with Vanbrugh Park) and Langton Way (junction with Old Dover Road).
In West Greenwich, restrictions will be applied in Crooms Hill (junction with Burney Street), Circus Street (junction with Royal Hill), Royal Hill (junctions with Royal Place and Point Hill), Winforton Street (junction with Point Hill), Maidenstone Hill (junction with Point Hill) and Lindsell Street (junction with Greenwich South Street).
Residents are being invited to give feedback on the trial through an online survey. Please visit www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
Details on exemption criteria and how to apply can be found at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
Pictured top: Greenwich’s famous park overlooking the National Maritime Museum – but the surrounding areas are seen as in need of greater protection from traffic (Picture: Pixabay)