Have your say on the future of the Crystal Palace and South Norwood Low Traffic Neighbourhood

A consultation starts today, Friday 6 November, on the Crystal Palace and South Norwood Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) introduced on a temporary basis earlier this year.

Participants are asked to provide details of their experience with the scheme to date, and choose whether it should ‘remain’ as is, ‘remove’ it all together, or be ‘replaced’.

The ‘replace’ option would see planters swapped out for camera-controlled enforcement points (ANPR) that allow eligible residents with permits to drive through the scheme, as well as provide improved access for emergency vehicles.

Both the replace and remain options would see the bus gate on Auckland Road moved 150 metres, providing better access to Auckland Surgery, and the addition of two new disabled parking bays would make the surgery more accessible for patients.

Throughout the temporary scheme, feedback was sought via the council’s Streetspace feedback map resulting in over 2,000 responses. The council’s analysis found opinions ranged from residents welcoming the LTN for creating quieter and safer local streets, to concerns about the impact it will have on businesses and the Auckland Surgery.

The options put forward in the consultation have been developed as a result of this feedback.

“The temporary Low Traffic Neighbourhood was introduced because over a period of years residents expressed serious concerns about the volume of traffic in their area. So as a council we have now developed a number of options and progressing with our consultation as planned. I would encourage as many people as possible to participate let us know their views.”

Councillor Muhammad Ali, cabinet member for sustainable Croydon

The consultation follows the re-opening of Church Road to two-way traffic, after the removal of scaffold from a damaged private building obstructing the road until the site was safe.

The council was keen that the consultation take place when residents can better judge the effects of the temporary LTN without the compounding effect of the scaffold and traffic signals in Church Road.

“Transport for London confirmed that the scaffold was a major contributor to increased traffic congestion in the area, and we are very pleased to hear from residents that the situation has improved since Sunday”, Councillor Ali said.

Despite this positive development on Church Road, concern for the businesses in Crystal Palace is a key theme from the LTN feedback, and as such, a separate business consultation will be released next week to capture the views of local traders.

LTN measures were put in place as a result of central government guidance to limit the amount of motor vehicles accessing certain areas, making streets safer, quieter and less-polluted for people to walk and cycle. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic it was decided an LTN would be implemented to reduce through traffic in Crystal Palace at the start of lockdown.

The LTN was implemented in stages around the gas utility works closing Auckland Road and the ending of those works. Over recent years numerous concerns have been raised about the levels and speed of traffic on Auckland Road and surrounding streets. As a result of some initial feedback, Croydon Council quickly put in a bus gate so the 410 bus could continue its route, and to improve access for emergency vehicles.

The closing date of the consultation is 4 December. Local residents will be asked to enter a unique ID code which they will have received in a letter mailed to over 6,000 residents – but the consultation is open to all. Those without internet access or with accessibility needs can request a copy of the consultation materials in a different format (e.g. hardcopy) and to make a request call 020 8726 7000 or email highwayimprovements@croydon.gov.uk

To complete the survey, and find more information, visit croydon.gov.uk/streetspace

2020-11-06T17:10:11+00:00 November 6th, 2020|Recent news|