Key information
Petition presented by: Valerie Shawcross
Date petition submitted: Wednesday 20 October 2010
Petition presented at: London Assembly Plenary
Summary of petition
“We the undersigned request that the left exit ‘slip road’ by the Southwark War Memorial in Borough High Street is not reopened once the utilities upgrade roadworks are completed. Rather, we request that it is converted into a pedestrianised area, as crossing the road at this junction is extremely hazardous.”
Response information
Response title: The Mayor
Response date: Monday 15 November 2010
“I know that Transport for London met with you and Living Streets on 14 September to discuss Borough High Street. TfL explained that the uncertainty over the Network Rail redevelopment of London Bridge Station, together with the ongoing construction of The Shard, would make accurate traffic modelling of the Borough High Street area very difficult. An accurate model would be vital in allowing TfL and Southwark to fully appreciate the traffic implications of any major scheme. TfL also outlined the pressures on public funding more generally.
Living Streets suggested that TfL should consider what ‘quick win’ schemes for Borough High Street could be introduced, should section 106 funding become available. Living Streets initial view was that such a scheme could be the permanent closure to traffic of the Borough High Street slip road. TfL has considered whether the slip road could be permanently closed, and believe this would be achievable should s106 funding be available, although this would be dependent on a number of factors:
• a more robust assessment of the traffic impacts of permanent closure would need to be undertaken, and the impacts shown to be manageable;
• there would need to be an appreciation of the servicing requirements of businesses affected by the closure of the slip road, and a consultation to ensure awareness of all views; and
• TfL’s ability to deliver urban realm improvements within the slip road area would be linked to the level of funding available.
TfL will continue to work with Southwark to ensure available s106 funding for transport improvements are used to the widest possible benefit.”