Residents back plans for new 24/7 bus lanes and crossings after death of Deliveroo driver
By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter
TfL has announced plans to introduce a host of safety and traffic measures to a busy road in Merton.
St Helier Avenue had become notorious after a Deliveroo driver was killed in the road in 2021.
Rabiaa El Atrach, a teacher who lives in the road, said: “We had lots of different accidents, lots of them with tragic consequences.
“I have seen cars race each other in that road, they think it is like a Formula One race track, I’ve seen it with my eyes.
“It is better though since the speed limit changed, but you have lots of people who still don’t respect that limit and drive very fast. Hopefully, these changes will help with the safety of children and family.”
The plans centre around introducing 24/7 bus lanes in the busy corridor. These north and southbound lanes will cover the entire distance of the road from Morden Hall to Rose Hill roundabout.
According to TfL, the additional 19,000 metres of new bus lane would allow buses to travel “quickly” and “reliably” along the road.
These new lanes will replace the staggered offering that only operates at certain points along the road. Currently, motorists can expect a ÂŁ160 fine for driving through a bus lane, but, this is discounted to ÂŁ80 if paid within 14 days of issue.
TfL also wants to introduce two new traffic light-signalled pedestrian crossings at Langdon Walk and Netley Gardens, to prevent pedestrians from crossing inappropriately at dangerous points in the road.
Motorist and pedestrian safety has been a driving force behind these new proposals. A young father lost his life on the road in 2021, while an 80-year-old resident was also seriously injured in a collision on the thoroughfare in November 2022.
After lobbying from Merton council, TfL agreed to cut the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph last October.
The changes form part of the Mayor of London’s wider plan to encourage Londoners towards sustainable modes of transport.
Residents are encouraged to give their feedback on the proposals before June 26, 2024. TfL has not issued a date for when work will start on the plans.
Click here for more information.
Pictured top: Residents joined by Cllrs Helena Dollimore, Natasha Irons, Stephen Alambritis, Martin Whelton (Picture: Helena Dollimore)
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Nice to see the last time Labour visited the area 2021!!!!( Has it been really been that long, yes. Helena has abandoned St Helier ward while collecting her ÂŁ1000 a month allowance while she promotes herself down in Hastings. She lied in the elections claiming to be “Always in the community with you”, and Merton Labour have shown a complete disregard to the residents by allowing her to disappear, any decent party would have called a by-election to replace the vacant position. Shame on Siobhan McDonagh, Ross Garrod and the rest of the party members who all remain quiet as long as an ex colleague is still getting a paid)