Plans to make Putney High Street 'greener' push ahead

The upgrades are set to improve air quality and transform the street into a better destination for visitors and shoppers.

Putney is one of London’s ‘pollution hotspots’ with Nitrogen Dioxide levels well above the legal limit.

However, a two-phase plan of environmental improvements may change this.

Phase one of the works is on course to finish in May.

New Putney 'parklet'

So far, a 20mph speed limit, ‘parklets’ and a 'city tree' which filters air and removes pollutants has been installed.

Next in line is the widening of the eastern footway between Felsham Road and Putney Bridge Road, providing a Copenhagen crossing at Werter Road and working with TfL to improve the pedestrian island at the junction with Putney Bridge Road.

The council is also continuing to remove guard railing and unnecessary street clutter and exploring the option of additional parallel cycle and contraflow routes.

Phase two of additional environmental improvements is expected to commence soon after May.

Funding for the works has come from council budgets, with contributions from the Putney BID and a grant from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

The council applied for this funding to help revitalise the town centre and help it overcome the challenges of vacant retail space, traffic congestion and air quality.

New Putney bike shed

Transport spokesman Cllr John Locker said:

“We’ve already seen the positive impact the changes completed so far have had on the high street. They have improved the physical and visual environment and helped improve air quality.

“Phase one is now nearing completion and soon we will embark on phase two which will deliver further upgrades, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Our aim is to make the high street cleaner, greener and safer by tackling congestion and encouraging alternative forms of travel and we have been helped in pursuing these goals by the many local people, businesses and stakeholders who have shared their ideas with us and shown great support and enthusiasm in helping us deliver this landmark project.”