Request ID: FOI-2543-2223 Date published: 03 February 2023
You asked
1. For what reason has the Streetspace scheme in Clapham High Street excluded ambulances from using the segregated wand lanes?
2. Please provide details of risk assessments concerning the exclusion of ambulances from using the segregated cycle lanes
3. In the previous FOI response, TfL stated that adjustments have been made to the cycle 'wands' so that cars can pull into the segregated lane in order to let an ambulance through. What efforts has TfL made to inform drivers that they are a allowed to pull into the segregated lane if there is an ambulance on Clapham High Street?
4. Why has TfL not directly monitored Clapham High Street to see whether cars are pulling into the segregated lanes when there is an ambulance on the southbound lane of Clapham High Street?
5. How has TfL monitored the effectiveness of cars pulling into the segregated cycle lane as a solution for when ambulances are trying to get though?
6. Will TfL consider making adjustments to the segregated cycle lane to allow ambulances to instead use the cycle lane?
7. Why is TfL proposing to relocate the northbound Nelson's Bus Stop (Bus Stop A) given the improvements it has provided to residents of Nelson's Row catching northbound buses?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2543-2223
Thank you for your request which we received on 8 January 2023, asking for information about the Streetspace scheme in Clapham High Street.
Your questions for recorded information have been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. The rest of your questions in your request ask for explanation and not recorded information, therefore you should contact TfL’s customer services to consider them.
You asked:
For what reason has the Streetspace scheme in Clapham High Street excluded ambulances from using the segregated wand lanes?
Please provide details of risk assessments concerning the exclusion of ambulances from using the segregated cycle lanes
In the previous FOI response, TfL stated that adjustments have been made to the cycle 'wands' so that cars can pull into the segregated lane in order to let an ambulance through. What efforts has TfL made to inform drivers that they are a allowed to pull into the segregated lane if there is an ambulance on Clapham High Street?
TfL has published guidance on the use of wands for cycle lanes, this can be found here https://content.tfl.gov.uk/guidance-for-the-use-of-traffic-wand-with-cycle-infrastructure.pdf. The document sets out the work undertaken, which concludes that 8m is sufficient to allow the occasional need for cars to pull in to allow emergency vehicles to pass whilst balancing the wider safety benefits for cyclists resulting from improved protection. We do not hold a separate risk assessment.
Rule 219 of the Highway code states that drivers should safely move over to the side of the road and come to a controlled stop to enable emergency vehicles to pass. This should be done with due consideration to the safety of all other road users and without breaking any traffic sign rules. Traffic wands are not considered to be a traffic sign, as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. TfL would rely on the drivers rational judgement when faced with a specific situation. 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
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
