St James's Park - Proposed Cycle Safety Scheme

St. James's Park, Croydon - Proposed change to existing one-way traffic arrangement

We are proposing to change the existing partial one-way traffic arrangement that currently operates in St. James's Park as part of a programme of measures aimed at improving road safety for cyclists in the borough.

We want to know your views before a final decision is made, so please take a few moments to respond by 18th July 2008. You can indicate your support or opposition to the proposal by email or letter.

Background

Prior to 2003, St. James's Park operated a system of one-way working southbound throughout its entire length for all vehicles.

Since 2003 the section of road from number 2 St. James's Park to Windmill Road has operated a system of two-way working. This arrangement was introduced to enable cyclists to travel northbound in St. James's Park by using the mandatory contra-flow cycle lane running through the oneway section of St. James's Park then continuing north along the two-way section towards Windmill Road.

Motor vehicles can still only enter St. James's Park from Windmill Road, leading to the vast majority of traffic in the road travelling in the southbound direction.

The issue

Some cyclists have reported that when they travel north in St. James's Park they are at risk of being hit by motor vehicles as they approach the junction with Windmill Road. It seems that many motorists turning right from Windmill Road into St. James's Park ‘cut the corner’ when turning meaning they enter St. James's Park on the wrong side of the road. This can create a danger for cyclists travelling northbound at this point.

The proposal

To help alleviate this problem, it is proposed that the entire length of St. James's Park will revert back to one-way working southbound for motor vehicles. An advisory contra-flow cycle lane (subject to Department for Transport authorisation) will also be implemented, running northbound from the end of the existing mandatory cycle lane at number 2 St. James's Park through to Windmill Road. This would enable cyclists to continue travelling north along the full length of St. James's Park.

A new traffic island will be installed at the northern end of the road to provide protection for cyclists by physically separating the advisory cycle lane from vehicles entering St. James's Park.

Please note: none of the existing parking places in St. James's Park will be moved or removed as a result of this scheme.

The attached plan shows the proposals.

How to respond

Please send an email or write to the address below giving your response as one of those below:

In favour of one way working throughout the entire length of St. James's Park
In favour of no change to the current arrangement in St. James's Park
Undecided

You must include your home address in the letter or email as we want to ensure the views of local residents are considered fully. Replies without an address will not be accepted.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to call the number or use the email address given.