A new scheme to help improve safety on Plumstead High Street has been given the go-ahead by the Council Planning and Environment Committee.
The scheme was proposed in response to a number of traffic accidents that have taken place in the area. In the last three years, a total of 81 casualties have been recorded, seven of which have been serious.
What improvements will be made?
There will be a number of improvements that will aim to reduce vehicle speeds and create all round safer traffic conditions. These will include:
- raised tables into both carriageways at the existing signal controlled pedestrian/cycle crossing near Walmer Terrace
- a new raised pelican crossing near the junction with Orchard Road
- new pedestrian refuges in various locations along the high street
- new vehicle activated “slow down” electronic warning signs in both directions
- carriageway realignment with road markings to restrain traffic speed.
Funding and consultation
The improvements will be part of a £600,000 scheme funded by Transport for London. There will also be major structural maintenance carried out in the area.
The request for changes was submitted after consultation with local people. The proposed plans were distributed to 2,400 homes and businesses on and around the Plumstead High Street at the beginning of 2006.
Creating a safe borough
Chair of the Committee, John Wakefield, said, "We feel very confident that these improvements will greatly benefit the whole community. The consultation with residents beforehand demonstrated how valuable their opinions are to the Council.
"The decision was backed by an overwhelming majority of residents and the new improvements will be another part of the Council’s commitment to creating a safe borough."
27 July 2006