A much needed review of the contraflow bus lane on London Road near Elephant and Castle will soon be taking place following action taken by local MP Simon Hughes, local councillors and Caroline Pidgeon, the leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group.
Following numerous complaints by local residents about safety issues a meeting was held at City Hall where local councillors, Caroline Pidgeon and Simon Hughes set out a number of specific concerns to Transport for London engineers about how the contraflow bus lane operates.
Starting in April a road safety study will now take place on the operation of the contraflow in London Road, which should be completed by the late summer or the autumn. The study will look at the cause of all the collisions that have taken place along London Road, in particular whether a 20 mph speed limit is needed, and the provision of additional signs.
Commenting on Transport for London’s response Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson, said:
“I am often the harshest critic of TfL, but on this occasion they have at least started to listen to the concerns of many local residents. I welcome this review and I hope it will either clarify how the contraflow can be made safer for pedestrians and other road users, or what alternatives can be put in place to make the road safer for all road users.”
Simon Hughes MP further commented:
“The safety of London Road for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers has been an issue for many years, as have the concerns of local businesses that the current arrangements are damaging to their trade.
“At last a joint local effort has persuaded Transport for London to look at all the issues again.”