Local Assembly Member visits ‘dangerous’ Waterloo roundabout with new Deputy Mayor for Transport
Waterloo roundabout, considered one of the most dangerous junctions in London, is due to undergo a significant overhaul to mitigate its major traffic and safety issues. Local London Assembly Member, Florence Eshalomi AM, was joined by the new Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander, on a visit to Waterloo roundabout to discuss Transport for London’s (TfL) new proposals to transform and rejuvenate the area around the roundabout and Waterloo Road.
During the visit, Florence Eshalomi AM questioned the Deputy Mayor about TfL’s wide-ranging plans, which include enhancing the area’s public realm and green space offer, incorporating segregated cycle lanes into the roundabout, introducing traffic calming measures, widening footways and creating new pedestrian routes.
Ms Eshalomi AM also raised the concerns of local people towards the increasing levels of rat running taking place through the nearby Cornwall Road and the excessive build-up of bus congestion along Waterloo Road.
The proposals fall under the Mayor of London's Healthy Streets scheme, which seeks to create a safe and accessible environment across the capital for more Londoners to walk, cycle and use public transport.
The works are expected to start in 2020, after a public consultation received backing from 55% of the 1628 respondents.
Local London Assembly Member, Florence Eshalomi AM, said:
“It is unacceptable that Londoners are being routinely placed at risk when using Waterloo roundabout, so it has been very encouraging to have the new Deputy Mayor for Transport visit the site to outline TfL’s plans to improve its safety and accessibility.
“I am confident that the proposed measures will have a positive impact on the area, encouraging more Londoners to engage with the public realm and local businesses.
“During the visit, I also pushed for TfL’s assurances that they will remain committed to working closely with local residents in the area to address the long-standing issues of rat running and congestion in the surrounding roads”.
ENDS
Notes to editors
-The full list of TfL’s proposals to transform Waterloo roundabout and the surrounding area can be found here;
- The proposals fall under the Mayor of London's Healthy Streets scheme, which seeks to create a safe and accessible environment across the capital for more Londoners to walk, cycle and use public transport;
-The works are expected to start in 2020, after a public consultation received backing from 55% of the 1628 respondents;
-A picture of Florence Eshalomi AM’s visit to Waterloo roundabout can be found attached;
-Florence Eshalomi AM is the London Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark.