TfL Ref: FOI-2888-2223
Thank you for your request which we received on 5 February 2023, asking about changes to traffic signal timings at Crystal Palace junctions.
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 specifically asked:
1) Have there been any changes to the traffic signal timings at any of the following junctions since 1 January 2020?
a) Westow Hill junction with Anerley Hill / Crystal Palace Parade / Church Road.
b) Westow Street junction with Central Hill / Gipsy Hill / Westow Hill
c) Church Road junction with Westow Street
2) Please provide the dates of any changes to the traffic signal timings at these junctions during this period and the details of what timing changes were made and the reasons for those changes.
The area has had four timing reviews since 2020 to assess the operation of the signals, with particular focus on bus performance, pedestrians, congestion and impact from Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN). These are list below;
- Aug 2020 – Operational timing review conducted on all 3 sites in response to the Croydon LTNs increasing the flow on Church Road. The cycle time for all 3 sites increased from 88sec to 96sec, allowing for additional green time. TfL’s dynamic control system (SCOOT) will allocate this additional green time base on street demand.
- Mar 2021 - Bus Sponsored timing review conducted at the junction of Anerley Hill / Crystal Palace Parade. This review focussed on detecting more buses so additional priority at the signals could be given to improve bus journey times. Comparing 23 February 2021 against 18 March 2021, the number of buses detected per day increased from 48 to 146.
- Mar 2022 – Bus Sponsored timing review conducted on all 3 sites to improve bus performance and resilience. The junction at Anerley Hill / Crystal Palace Parade was modified to assist buses through the signals. The linking between the bus station and the Anerley Hill / Crystal Palace Parade signals was modified to improve the use of green time.
- Jun 2022 – The signals at the Bus station upgraded to offer assistance to buses through the junction. Benefits not fully realised yet as full activation delayed until Feb 2023.
The on street vehicle detection shows no significant change in congestion in the area since 01 Jan 2020 to 14 Feb 2023 fluctuating between 40% to 80% in the Triangle area. Similarly, the bus journey time data shows bus performance is in line with 2019 averages.
3) Has any investigation been undertaken by TfL officers into congestion at these junctions (for example in response to delays to local buses) and if so what have been the findings?
Due to our ongoing objectives to improve sustainable modes and pedestrian experience , further improvements are always investigated. The junction of Church Road junction with Westow Street is to be modified soon to allow more green time to Church Road to improve bus performance and reduce congestion.
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
