New plans to improve safety around Battersea Bridge have been unveiled by TfL, with community engagement on the proposals set to start in the coming weeks.
It comes after calls from many residents to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the area surrounding the bridge.
A petition calling for an additional pedestrian crossing to be installed accrued thousands of signatures since the most recent tragic death where a pedestrian was killed in a fatal crash on January 13.
The proposed changes include a new signalised pedestrian crossing on the north side of the bridge.
A TfL spokesman said engagement with the local community will begin in the coming weeks and work to deliver the proposals would take place as quickly as possible.
TfL also plans to reduce the speed limit on Chelsea Embankment later this year from 30mph to 20mph to further improve safety for vulnerable road users, including people walking and cycling.
Breaking: TFL is abt to announce that it WILL install a green man crossing at Battersea Bridge. Huge credit goes to Commissioner Andy Byford.
— Rob McGibbon (@robmcgibbon) February 19, 2021
Safety has been an issue here for 20+ YEARS with NO action. This has taken 5 WEEKS. That's due to People Power. Thank You ALL. m/f 💪👏
This follows work last year by TfL to reduce all of its speed limits in the congestion charging zone to 20mph and forms part of its ongoing commitment to lower speed limits across the capital.
A TfL statement read: “TfL will continue to work closely with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on future plans to deliver two further pedestrian crossings on busy Cheyne Walk and Beaufort Street.
“This could include a banned left turn into Beaufort Street, which would reduce conflict between motor vehicles and cyclists, while ensuring people walking can cross as safely as possible.
“A banned left turn at this location would also protect journey times for bus passengers and other traffic travelling through the junction.”
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, lead member for planning, place and environment, for Kensington and Chelsea said:
“We have backed our residents every step of the way in their campaign and thanks to local voices we are now seeing faster progress from TfL on this dangerous junction.
“A safe crossing on Battersea Bridge can’t come soon enough and I am glad to see plans being brought forward for residents to comment on.
“Sadly it comes after a tragic accident where someone lost their life and our thoughts remain with Jack and his family.”
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