decision around the traffic lights at the junction of Rochester Way and Welling Way were changed.
Request ID: FOI-0775-2324 Date published: 28 June 2023
You asked
This was clearly a decision made by somebody and it has made traffic worst. If you aren’t going to address the matter then I herby request all the documents and evidence that lead to this decision being made so that I can formally review it and challenge it.
Recently the traffic lights at the junction of Rochester Way and Welling Way were changed. Since then, traffic has been made significantly worse when approaching from the direction of Falconwood Station/Riefield Road.
The problem seems to be caused by the fact that there are now two lights when approaching from Riefield Road. One set controls going straight over. The other controls turning right.
Previously, with a single light, cars turning right could move forward and fill the junction. Then a filter arrow would appear later. This meant cars could turn right if safe to do so before the filter arrow. Even if not safe, the cars already being in the junction allowed more cars to complete the turn during a single green light.
Now, however, the separate light holds car back. Even if it is clear, no cars can turn. This is backing the cars up further and blocking cars who want to go straight behind the queuing right turn traffic.
We answered
TfL Ref: 0775-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 3 June 2023 asking for information about traffic signals at Rochester Way near Welling Way.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked: I hereby request all the documents and evidence that led to this decision being made. This refers to a change to the timings of the traffic signals at the junction of Rochester Way near Welling Way.
The works completed at this location were as part of a signal modernisation scheme.
As part of the design process it was identified that the roads in question are 40mph. The modernisation scheme reviewed the existing method of control and junction layout and brought this up to current standards and specifications.
As per the DfT document ‘Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 6’, where speeds are higher than normal, opposing right turns should be separately signalled and show only when the through traffic has been halted. This is what has been introduced at this junction. The previous method of control for the right turning movement was not compliant / potentially unsafe and had to be altered as part of the junction design process. Right turning vehicles on higher speed roads should be made to wait behind the stop line and wait for a separate green signal rather than entering the junction and looking for a gap in opposing traffic coming the other direction.
We understand that the change has led to queues and delays. We are in the process of making changes to the detection and timing at this junction in order to try and mitigate this negative impact on the overall junction performance.
Please see attached decision documents as requested.
Please note that in accordance with TfL’s obligations under Data Protection legislation some personal data has been removed, as required by section 40(2) of the FOI Act. This is because disclosure of this personal data would be a breach of the legislation, specifically the first principle which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individuals have no expectation it would be disclosed and TfL has not satisfied one of the conditions which would make the processing ‘fair’.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
