Victory for road safety campaign in Dulwich

Transport for London have backed down with their plans to remove vital pedestrian safety railings along the south circular following the petition of local residents by Cllr Lewis Robinson presented to City Hall last week.

TfL had posted notices to remove pedestrian safety railings outside the entrance to Belair Park, West Dulwich train station, and the traffic junctions outside Dulwich College last month.

Caroline Pidgeon, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee added her support to the campaign and asked Boris Johnson, London Mayor to confirm that the railings outside Belair Park will be kept to protect local school children. In his written answer, the Mayor has confirmed that the railings by the entrance to Belair Park will now not be removed. Any other proposals in the local area will be subject to full consultation with local stakeholders.

The question and written answer in full:

Caroline Pidgeon: Will you confirm that the railings outside Belair Park on the busy south circular will remain on site to protect pedestrians including local school children?

Written response from the Mayor: In line with Better Streets policy, TfL has adopted a policy presumption against the use of pedestrian guard rail, except where there is a proven safety requirement. In many cases it is no longer necessary. Furthermore, it can be inconvenient for pedestrians and intimidating for cyclists. When proposing to remove existing guardrail, TfL consults with the relevant borough and advises locally with on site notices.

TfL fully acknowledge there are locations on its road network where the removal of guardrail may be inappropriate. In the case of the entrance to Belair Park, the pedestrian guardrail will not be removed.