Hi I’m writing to complain about this streetspace programme being imposed on Greenwich residents. Under the Freedom of Information Act I would like to request all relevant information on (1) why a decision has been made without a formal consultation; and (2) what considerations have been taken into account in stopping traffic (specifically residents) travelling down Christchurch Way off Trafalgar Road. As your document outlines it will only be possible to turn down Whitworth Street to access Commerell Street where I live. This will means any large vehicle such a delivery van or lorry will be unable to access my property to date. Even more worrying is how a fire engine could access all of the properties in this small area. Or does Greenwich council also intend to remove the parking bays on Whitworth street to allow better access down it? Or will access down Christchurch Way be available for residents? Perhaps you should look on the neighbourhood site, not sure anyone supports this scheme. As a cyclist myself I would much prefer an extension / widening of the cycle path down to the O2 from the existing Thames path to cycle along the river.

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Our ref: FOI-1074-2021/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 August 2020 asking for information about the London Streetspace programme.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

As part of TfL’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Streetspace for London programme is rapidly rolling out more space for people to walk and cycle safely. The vital changes we are making between Greenwich and Woolwich are temporary measures - as London is beginning to emerge from the lockdown we will need quickly to provide the means for people to travel on foot or by bike as much as possible, to reduce demand for private transport, and ensure the recovery is sustainable.

TfL has allocated £30m to 33 boroughs for 860 schemes through the TfL Streetspace funding. This includes cycle lanes, School Streets, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and space in town centres.There isn’t the time or scope to conduct a full in depth public consultation in these circumstances.

All Streetspace for London measures are temporary, and we will continue to listen to any concerns local people or other stakeholders have, and will take this feedback into account when deciding whether or not these changes should be made permanent. There would be a statutory consultation should we decide to propose that the changes be made on a permanent basis.

Through the Streetspace for London programme, TfL has been working with Greenwich Council to transform roads for cycling. As part of this, planned work to transform roads for cycling between Greenwich and Woolwich has been fast-tracked. 

The scheme has been designed to provide a direct, safer and attractive route for cyclists between Greenwich and Charlton. The original proposal looked to stop motor vehicles turning into Christchurch Way from Trafalgar Road, so that a protected waiting area could be provided for cyclists wishing to turn right into Old Woolwich Road, whilst also reducing the potential for conflict between cyclists and traffic turning left or right into Christchurch Way.

We consider a number of factors when proposing traffic restrictions, including what alternative routes are available, traffic flows, other traffic restrictions in the local area and widths of the carriageway.

We’re closely monitoring how the cycle infrastructure is working and continue to work with the council on plans to make walking and cycling in the borough easier and safer. Following discussions with a number of stakeholders, we have reviewed our proposals for Christchurch Way and have amended our design so that access from Trafalgar Road into Christchurch Way is retained, whilst barriers will still provide protection to cyclists turning into Old Woolwich Road. Once the cycleway has been built, we will monitor the facility to ensure it operates as expected.

The attached email has recently been sent to stakeholders regarding the proposals, and provides further information which I hope you will find useful.

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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