Request ID: FOI-1322-2223 Date published: 27 September 2022
You asked
Dear TfL and Ealing Council,
I'm unsure which of you is responsible for the Hanger Lane gyratory/roundabout. Please see my enquiry below.
As an observation, I've noticed that drivers using the gyratory often have failed to get into the correct lane, either through not being familiar with the junction or because they think lane hopping is a better option. So I'd like to know:
- What plans are in place to improve traffic flow at the Hanger Lane gyratory?
- What considerations have been given to assisting drivers more with being in the correct lane?
- What additional signage, road markings and/or other physical alterations have or are being considered?
I'd be grateful if you can include anything currently being considered and anything considered since 2020. This junction is desperately in need of some common sense.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Should you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
We answered
TfL Ref: 1322-2223
Thank you for your request received by us on 1 September 2022 asking for information about the Hanger Lane gyratory/roundabout.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. You asked for the following:
Hanger Lane gyratory/roundabout. Please see my enquiry below.
As an observation, I've noticed that drivers using the gyratory often have failed to get into the correct lane, either through not being familiar with the junction or because they think lane hopping is a better option. So I'd like to know:
- What plans are in place to improve traffic flow at the Hanger Lane gyratory?
- What considerations have been given to assisting drivers more with being in the correct lane?
- What additional signage, road markings and/or other physical alterations have or are being considered?
I'd be grateful if you can include anything currently being considered and anything considered since 2020. This junction is desperately in need of some common sense.
We can advise that in terms of the current operation, the signal timings are designed to protect the gyratory from locking up particularly during busy periods. This is achieved by using our automated Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique (SCOOT) system, which dynamically adjusts signal timings in real time depending on the level of traffic picked up by sensors in the ground. This is particularly challenging at such a location as Hanger Lane, as too much traffic would lead to gridlock of the gyratory. The timings here are designed to allow just enough traffic into the circulating arms of the gyratory while providing a balance to the numerous entry lanes. From time to time, the gyratory may become congested. In such instances our Network Management Control Centre, who manage the network in real time, are able to implement contingency timings to clear the gyratory as quickly as possible to minimise delays.
Whilst we have been made aware of lane discipline issues at Hanger Lane gyratory in the past, TfL currently has no proposals to redesign line markings and signage. We have a strict prioritisation for new projects as we have to justify any spending during these financially tough times, hence we can only pursue projects that offer the best value for money. Hanger Lane has not been a priority as it would score low against Healthy Streets, as explained here -https://content.tfl.gov.uk/healthy-streets-for-london.pdf - as well as road safety criteria, for example, collisions involving vulnerable road users - pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Due to its size and complexity, a redesign of Hanger Lane would likely require an extensive and costly scheme. Given its low priority and against the background of TfL’s difficult financial position and limitations on available resource especially over the past two years, a redesign of Hanger Lane would not have been a justifiable project for us.
We hope that this has helped explain our position in this matter.
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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
