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Back to school safely
From September, we will be rolling out the first phase of our School Streets programme across the borough. As part of our COVID-19 response we have been working with Transport for London (TfL) to plan a healthy and safe return to school for pupils, parents, teachers and local residents.
Measures will help pupils and parents to socially distance at the school gates, and create a safer environment for walking and cycling to school. It is expected that measures will also help improve the air quality at the school gates and encourage daily routines that incorporate exercise.
Roads close to schools can be busy with traffic at peak times, causing congestion, poor air quality and road safety concerns for all. A short road closure at the busiest times will help to reduce the impact for those living close to the school and for parents, children and staff going to and from school. Vehicle access will be restricted at specific times at the start and end of the school day, during school term only. The closure points will be supported by signage advising the times of the closure, and advanced warning signage will also be in place.
We’re currently agreeing the details with the schools in our first phase of the programme and we will share further details on where the School Streets will be located and what to expect next week. Please keep an eye on the Commonplace website for further details. LINK
More to come on A21 improvements
Last week Transport for London (TfL) announced temporary measures to improve cycling and public transport along a busy 2km stretch of the A21 between Lewisham and Catford as part of the London Streetspace improvement programme. Lewisham Council supports the principle of improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists along the A21 corridors, but has some concerns regarding the potential impacts of some of the specific proposals. The starting date for work that was originally proposed - 24 August - has been postponed, whilst we and TfL work together urgently to consider alternative temporary proposals and develop a scheme agreeable to both organisations. Our joint aim is to improve safety on the A21 for pedestrians and cyclists as soon as possible, without significantly impacting on Lewisham’s resident and road network. Check our Commonplace website for the latest news.
Lewisham and Lee Green Low Traffic Neighbourhood
Yesterday, there was a road traffic incident at Burnt Ash Road and Police redirected traffic onto Manor Lane in order to safely disperse traffic in the area. We’ve had a number of enquiries about whether vehicles will be liable for penalty charge notices for travelling on roads where traffic was being diverted by the Police and enforcement cameras are in place. We can confirm that drivers of those vehicles being diverted will not be penalised.
We continue to receive a lot of feedback and ideas for further improvements to the Lewisham and Lee Green Low Traffic Neighbourhood, specifically the roads surrounding the area. We are currently assessing ideas to take account of TfL’s recently announced improvements to the A21 and the School Streets programme and actively looking at options for surrounding areas.