The new roundabout and pedestrian crossings are now operational and being very well received by local residents. The final work will be finished off on 4th-5th October following another successful road safety campaign by Conservative Councillor Michael Tickner.
The scheme for this dangerous junction was first requested by local Conservative Councillors in 2018. It will slow down traffic and provide safe crossing of Southend Road for pedestrians and cyclists.
Progress with the scheme was delayed, first by the Labour Mayor of London, who preferred to fund anti-car projects, and then by Virgin Media, who refused to move their underground cables so that works could go ahead. However the scheme is now operating and a full review of its effect will be carried out in February 2025.
Councillor Michael Tickner said,
“We have had collisions at this junction, some very serious, almost every week. As long ago as 2008, a woman on the pavement was killed nearby, and many collisions occur when vehicles pull out of Park Road. I hope cars will now slow down and safety will be significantly improved.”
This is the 3rd new mini roundabout scheme pioneered by Michael Tickner. The first was at Brackley Road junction, which successfully slowed down Southend Road traffic and enabled vehicles to pull out of Brackley Road more safely. The second was recently installed at the junction of Scotts Lane and Bromley Road, near the Esso garage.
Conservative-controlled Bromley Borough has long had one of the best road safety records in London, with fewer accidents per mile. According to the Department of Transport, the 5-year average to 2022 saw Bromley’s road traffic casualties fall by nearly 50%, the best in London’s 32 boroughs. Nevertheless, the need for some car ownership is fully recognised and supported by Conservatives, while the Council continues to encourage cycling and better public transport.
