Following last week’s launch of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s draft transport strategy, which aims to increase walking, cycling and the use of public transport in London, Transport for London (TfL) has published major proposals to transform Lambeth Bridge and Waterloo and make them safer for all road users.
Demonstrating the mayor’s commitment to a ‘Healthy Streets Approach’, the plans, which are now being consulted on, are designed to improve conditions for walking, cycling and public transport through the intimidating junctions.
They come after Waterloo roundabout and Lambeth Bridge northern roundabout were identified as among the 73 junctions in the UK capital with the worst safety record for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The proposed changes include segregated cycle lanes, cycle-specific traffic lights, wider paths, the removal or transformation of the intimidating junctions, and improved public spaces. The improvements would also open up new areas for safer cycling, and link into the current and planned cycle network. The Lambeth proposals would join onto Cycle Superhighway 8, a number of Quietways, and the improvement work currently underway around Westminster Bridge. Waterloo’s proposals would link with the wider cycle network, including nearby Quietway 1, and the proposed Quietway 5.
Safety concerns discourage people from cycling, and overhauling these two notorious junctions will help the Mayor reach his aim for all deaths and serious injuries from road collisions to be eliminated from London’s streets by 2041. The proposals for Lambeth Bridge and the surrounding area would:
Replace the northern and southern roundabouts with safer signalized crossroads;
Create segregated cycle lanes across the bridge;
Create two-stage facilities for cyclists turning right at both crossroads;
Ensure left-turning cyclists can bypass both crossroads to eliminate conflict;
Introduce cycle signals to separate cyclists from general traffic;
Provide signalized pedestrian crossings and increase space for walkers.
The proposals for Waterloo would:
Create a new large public square by closing the south west corner of the roundabout;
Return safer two-way traffic around Waterloo BFI Imax;
Introduce safer segregated cycle lanes around the Imax;
Widen footways and improve a pedestrian crossing
Improve the bus station on Waterloo Road;
Improve pedestrian crossings and increase green space in the area.
Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said, “The mayor has set ambitious plans for 80% of all trips in London to be on foot, bike or public transport by 2041, and these ambitious plans rise to that challenge.”
