Review of the Highway Code
Goverment Review of HWC
This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.
Issues always relate to some geographical location, whether very local or perhaps city-wide.
You can create a new issue using the button on the right.
Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Bromley Cyclists:
Created by Pearl // 1 thread
A discussion about the Dept for Transport's new Call for Evidence about changing the law regarding e-scooters and other similar vehicles. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/873363/future-of-transport-regulatory-review-call-for-evidence.pdf
Anon // 1 thread
Overview
We are proposing to make changes to Sydenham Hill to reduce vehicle speed and improve safety for users by providing better facilities for walking, cycling and accessing public transport. Speed surveys have told us that the average speed of vehicles on Sydenham Hill is 25.4mph which is above the speed limit.
Our proposals for Sydenham Hill are focussed on reducing vehicle speed in-line with Southwark’s 20 mph review. We are proposing traffic calming measures including raised tables and carriageway narrowing. These measures will also have additional benefits including:
Our proposals have been designed using national
design standards and best practice but to ensure the scheme is
optimised for the user, we need to hear from you.
sound+fury // 1 thread
A bill is being put forward to sentence any cyclist convicted of dangerous cycling to a 14 year prison term.
Created by Simon Parker // 1 thread
A lack of a clearly defined, well planned cycling network is hindering the growth of cycling in London.
Created by Alex Raha // 1 thread
East Sydenham is changing
A key target of both the Mayor of London and the London Borough of Lewisham’s Transport Strategy is for 80% of all journeys in London to be made by sustainable means of transport (walking, cycling and public transport) by 2041. To achieve this, we have to create street environments where traffic is reduced, and where vulnerable road users, including children and the elderly, feel more comfortable making journeys on foot or by bike.
What are the issues are most important for us to address?
How would you like to change East Sydenham to make your area healthier, greener and more pleasant to live in?
Created by John H Wood // 0 threads
The Copers Cope ward councillors have announced plans – which will shortly be out for public consultation – to address road safety issues around the junction of Foxgrove Road, Park Road, Southend Road and Beckenham Place Park.
The proposals would see a mini-roundabout installed at the junction, similar to the one currently in place at the Brackley Road / Southend Road junction.
According to the councillors, in order to make the scheme practical, Park Road will need to be closed at this junction.
This is on a popular cycling route, but also on a notorious Rat Run.
Created by John H Wood // 1 thread
TfL are planning changes to the road layout on the A21 Tweedy Road at the junctions of Sherman Road, East Street and Mitchell Way in Bromley North, and are consulting.
Their plans form part of the Mayor of London’s long-term vision to encourage more Londoners to walk and cycle by making London’s streets healthier, safer and more welcoming.
By making these changes TfL aim to:
Created by Simon Munk // 2 threads
Bromley says:
The Local Implementation Plan (LIP) is a statutory document, required by the Greater London Authority Act 1999, which sets out how we intend to implement the Mayor's Transport Strategy (MTS) within the borough.
Each borough has to produce a Local Implementation Plan which must be approved by the Mayor.
We are consulting on our third Local Implementation Plan for Transport (LIP3). This sets out the borough's approach to transport, including our ambition to improve road safety and reduce road danger, and investment priorities for both the next three years as well as in the longer term to 2041 at a more strategic level.
Bromley's LIP3 sets out how the council will deliver and work with partners such as rail operators to deliver an efficient and high quality transport network that safely supports borough residents, visitors to the borough for work and leisure and the borough's economy.
Bromley's population is expected to increase, with the level of population growth presenting challenges for the borough's transport networks. If this growth in demand for travel were to be accompanied by an equal growth in car use, congestion would get worse, with slower journeys for residents and businesses and a probable deterioration in air quality. To accommodate the projected increase in demand for travel, we need to make the most efficient use of the capacity we have on our transport networks. Given this, the LIP3 outlines the borough's priorities, which include improving road safety by reducing collisions and casualties on the roads, making it easier to walk and choose to cycle, reducing congestion and working with partner organisations to deliver new public transport connectivity such as between the borough's main centres and for example Canary Wharf.
Created by SallyEva // 1 thread
We are developing a Movement Plan that will set the direction for transport planning in Southwark over the next 20 years – this work will influence the roads you use, the routes you take and the places you spend time in. The Movement Plan takes a people-centred approach, putting the people that live in, work in, and visit the borough at the starting point of our journey. This places fairness at the core of our work
Created by Matthew // 1 thread
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inclusive-transport-strategy
Lots of interesting stuff about inclusive transport regarding trains, buses, cars, public realm, streets and yes a bit about cycling too. Quotes:
Shared Space:
8.11 While we consider CIHT and DPTAC’s recommendations and how to take them
forward, we are requesting that local authorities pause any shared space schemes
incorporating a level surface they are considering, and which are at the design stage.
We are also temporarily suspending Local Transport Note 1/11. This pause will allow
us to carry out research and produce updated guidance.
Objectives regarding Cycling:
• Update Local Transport Note 2/08, which sets out the Department’s guidance to
local authorities on designing safe and inclusive infrastructure for cyclists, to take
account of developments in cycling infrastructure since its publication in 2008 and
the responses to the draft AAP consultation and publish a revised version by early
2019;
• By 2020, explore the feasibility of amending legislation to recognise the use of
cycles as a mobility aid71 in order to increase the number of disabled people
cycling.
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
From the DfT:
As part of the Transport Investment Strategy, the government committed to creating a Major Road Network (MRN).
This consultation asks for views on:
how to define the MRN
the role that local, regional and national bodies will play in the MRN investment programme
which schemes will be eligible for MRN funding
A new MRN would help deliver the following objectives:
reduce congestion
support economic growth and rebalancing
support housing delivery
support all road users
support the Strategic Road Network
The creation of an MRN will allow for dedicated funding from the National Roads Fund to be used to improve this middle tier of our busiest and most economically important local authority ‘A’ roads.
Created by John H Wood // 1 thread
The London Borough of Bromley, working with Transport for London, is proposing to
make a number of improvements between Lower Sydenham and Kent House to
contribute to the development of a Quietway cycle route between Greenwich and
Kent House.
Quietways
Quietways are walking and cycling routes primarily on lightly trafficked back streets,
through parks and alongside waterways providing quieter routes away from main
roads designed to appeal, particularly, to new and inexperienced cyclists. They will
provide safe and attractive links to shops, stations, schools, workplaces and
destinations throughout London.
This particular route is from Greenwich to Kent House station and is an upgrade of
the existing National Cycle Network Route 21. The route will form part of the London
wide network of Quietways and Superhighways being developed jointly by London
Boroughs and Transport for London
.
Bridge Road
At present The National Cycle Network Route 21 runs along Kangley Bridge Road,
however, due to the number of HGVs this can be an intimidating road for cyclists so
whilst already popular is likely to discourage significant increases in cycling. This
new route will upgrade the existing facilities for walking and cycling by providing a
shared path along the eastern side of the road achieved by widening the footway to
approximately 3.5m. Removing cyclists from the road will reduce the chance of
conflict between vehicles and cyclists.
The project will also seek to make Kangley Bridge Road a more attractive place to
use and work in as a result of new tree planting and formalised parking, the details of
which we are keen to establish in dialogue with stakeholders.
River Pool Path
It is proposed to widen River Pool Path between Lennard Road and the sharp 90
degree bend along the path, to make a better quality shared route for pedestrians
and cyclists. The wider path will enable the marking that currently segregates
pedestrians and cyclists to be removed as research shows fully shared paths to be
safer than segregated facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists. These
improvements will be accompanied by clear new signage denoting the shared
designation of the path.
Lennard Road
It is proposed to replace the existing informal pedestrian crossing between River
Pool Path and Cator Park across Lennard Road with a new parallel zebra crossing.
This will enable pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross Lennard Road, improve the
link between River Pool Path and Cator Park and, thereby, improve the continuity of
the Quietway route by reducing the severance caused by the road.
Cator Park
The route uses the existing cycle path through Cator Park to provide cyclists with a
safe off-road route that will be more attractive than cycling on the road. To ensure
the route is safe and secure for use in the evenings, especially during the winter
months it is proposed to introduce solar powered wayfinding lighting along the
section of path. The lighting will be unobtrusive and have a minimal environmental
impact.
Aldersmead Road
At the junction of Ringwold Close with Aldersmead Road, it is proposed to introduce
an informal pedestrian crossing to improve access to Cator Park including improving
visibility for those exiting Cator Park on foot or by bicycle
Kings Hall Road
At the junction of Kings Hall Road with Aldersmead Road it is proposed to replace
the existing refuge islands with new ones positioned in slightly revised locations to
make it easier for pedestrians to cross Kings Hall Road. The road markings will also
be revised to enable cyclists to safely turn from Aldersmead Road to Kings Hall
Road.
Kent House Station
It is proposed to widen a small section of the footway outside the station entrance, in
order to provide safe and convenient access to the station for cyclists using this
route and will provide an easy connection to the existing London Cycle Network
route which continues to Croydon from Kent House Station. It is also proposed to
improve the public realm at the station entrance with the introduction of trees and
planters
Funding is also being sought to improve the quality and quantity of the cycle parking
provision at the station. This is currently very well utilised and demand for it is
expected to increase once the Quietway cycle route to the station has been
delivered.
Created by John H Wood // 1 thread
Please forgive me if I've mucked this up, I am not very experienced at this.
The London Borough of Bromley, working with Transport for London (TfL) is proposing to make a number of improvements to streets between Lower Sydenham and Bromley town centre to contribute to the development of a Quietway cycle route between Lower Sydenham and Bromley.
Quietways
Quietways are walking and cycling routes primarily on lightly trafficked back streets, through parks and alongside waterways providing quieter routes away from main roads designed to appeal, particularly, to new and inexperienced cyclists. They will provide safe and attractive links to shops, stations, schools, workplaces and destinations throughout London.
This proposed route is from River Walk in the London Borough of Lewisham to Bromley town centre and will upgrade the section of the existing London Cycle Network route 27 between New Beckenham and Bromley town centre. The route will form part of a London wide network of Quietways and Superhighways being developed jointly by London Boroughs and TfL.
Worsley Bridge Road
The Quietway runs along Worsley Bridge Road which, due to the speed and volume of traffic, makes it an unattractive road to cycle on. We are therefore proposing to widen and convert the footway on the southern side of Worsley Bridge Road from the Junction of Copers Cope Road to the junction of South End Lane in Lewisham to a shared footway/cycleway.
This will provide a high quality facility for cyclists and pedestrians, providing access to Lower Sydenham Station. By providing a shared path cyclists do not need to mix with general traffic thereby improving safety for all road users. The scheme will also introduce a zebra crossing between Meadowview Road and Montana Gardens as well as upgrading the existing refuge at the junction with Copers Cope Road.
Southend Road
As the Quietway is required to cross Southend Road, we are proposing to install a Parallel Zebra Crossing for pedestrians and cyclists crossing between Park Road and Foxgrove Road. This crossing will also be of benefit to existing pedestrians, especially for children crossing the road on their way to school.
Ridley Road to Ravensbourne Road footpath
In order to provide a safe continuous cycle route it is proposed to allow cycling along the short section of footpath between Ridley Road and Ravensbourne Road, which will be permitted via a Cycle Track Order. Access to the path will be provided via a new dropped kerb at the end of Ridley Road with a new tree or planter installed leading to the path. Vegetation will be cut back to provide additional width for both pedestrians and cyclists and special sinusoidal speed humps for cyclists will be installed at the Ravensbourne Road end of the path to reduce the potential for cyclists to speed entering the shared area.
Ravensbourne Road
In order to allow cyclists to access Bromley South Station using the Quietway, it is proposed to allow contra-flow cycling on Ravensbourne Road, which would be achieved by exempting cyclists from the one-way restriction on the street through a combination of signs and markings. Cycle contra-flows provide more direct routes for cyclists and can allow them to avoid travelling on busy roads and are quite common across the UK with several already in place across the Borough.
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
London.gov.uk says:
What is the new London Plan?
The London Plan is one of the most important documents for this city.
It's a strategic plan which shapes how London evolves and develops. All planning decisions should follow London Plan policies, and it sets a policy framework for local plans across London.
The current 2016 consolidation Plan is still the adopted Development Plan. However the Draft London Plan is a material consideration in planning decisions. It gains more weight as it moves through the process to adoption, however the weight given to it is a matter for the decision maker.
Consultation on the draft London Plan
Consultation on this plan is open. Comments will be publicly available. After the consultation, comments are reviewed by an inspector and you may be called in to discuss comments at the Examination in Public.
What is an Examination in Public?
At the end of the consultation period your comments will be reviewed by the independent Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State to carry out the Examination in Public for the London Plan.
You may be invited to discuss your comments at the Examination in Public. All comments will be made available to the public at the end of the consultation period. The legal provisions for the London Plan are in Part VIII of the Greater London Authority (GLA) Act 1999 (as amended) in sections 334 to 341. The Examination in Public is covered in Section 338.
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Tfl says:
We have undertaken research that shows that in 2015, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) were involved in disproportionately high numbers of fatal collisions with cyclists (78 per cent) and pedestrians (20 per cent) on London’s streets, despite only making up four per cent of the overall miles driven in the Capital. The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) forms part of The Mayor, Sadiq Khan and TfL’s Vision Zero approach to reducing road danger. The DVS categorises HGVs on the level of the driver’s direct vision from the cab.
We consulted earlier this year on the principles of a new DVS. Listening to the feedback from this consultation and working closely with industry and stakeholders we have now further developed this scheme. The Consultation report and Responses to Issues Raised document from this first phase of consultation are available to view in from the links at the bottom of this text. The responses showed that, in general, there is support for the principle of a Direct Vision Standard.
We are now seeking your views on proposals to introduce a new Safety Standard Permit Scheme as part of DVS which widens our approach beyond direct vision and includes a safe system approach to allow us to address a broader range of road danger risks.
The proposed scheme would require all HGVs over 12 tonnes to hold a Safety Permit to operate in Greater London from 2020. HGVs will be given a rating between ‘zero-star’ (lowest) and ‘five-star’ (highest). Only those vehicles rated ‘one star’ and above would be allowed to enter of operate in London from 2020. Zero rated vehicles would only be allowed if they can prove compliance through safe system measures. By 2024 only ‘three-star’ rated HGVs and above would automatically be given a Safety Permit. HGVs rated two star and below would need to demonstrate increased safety through progressive safe system measures.
The safe system could include specific industry recognised measures such as sensors, visual warnings and comprehensive driver training. The Safety Standard Permit scheme would evolve over time, taking into account advances in technology.
Detailed information about the scheme and the approach in which we have arrived at our current proposals are set out in the consultation document. A full Integrated Impact Assessment is also included.
The consultation approach
We are undertaking a phased consultation approach at key stages of the development of the consultation proposals to implement the Direct Vision Standard:
Phase 1 (24 January to 18 April 2017) – we set out the case for HGV driver direct vision and consulted on the Mayor of London’s outline proposals to introduce a Direct Vision Standard for HGVs in London and the principles of the Standard itself. The responses showed that, in general, there is support for the principle of a Direct Vision Standard.
Phase 2a – policy consultation (this consultation) – this current phase of consultation seeks views and feedback on the scheme proposals as outlined above and within the supporting consultation document which includes supporting technical reports including the full Integrated Impact Assessment. Feedback from this phase of consultation will be used to develop a second IIA and finalise the scheme proposals to be included in phase 2b of the consultation.
Phase 2b - Final scheme proposals and statutory consultation (Spring/Summer 2018) – this final phase will consult on the final proposals for the HGV Safety Standard Permit Scheme, including statutory consultation on the appropriate regulatory measure to ban or restrict HGVs in London under the scheme, subject to UK Government and European Commission support and notification.
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
London Assembly says:
Our investigation
Over recent years, TfL policy has increasingly focused on the construction of physical cycling infrastructure on London’s roads. A change in direction towards more segregated infrastructure followed our report in 2012 recommending this approach.
Our investigation will cover the full range of cycling infrastructure in London, with a particular focus on:
Cycle Superhighways: a form of cycle lane, designed to make cycling safer by helping keep cyclists away from general traffic, and offer direct and continuous cycling on major routes.
Quietways: a network of cycle routes that link key destinations, improving safety and convenience through small-scale interventions.
Mini-Hollands: TfL schemes to invest neighbourhood-level improvements in walking and cycling, involving a range of interventions in each area.
Cycle parking: provision of parking spaces on-street, at stations or in dedicated parking facilities.
It is important that TfL is able to establish the effectiveness of the infrastructure it installs on London’s roads. We are concerned that to date there has been no comprehensive study of the new infrastructure’s impact on cycling safety, modal share and other road users.
Questions to answer:
1. What progress on new cycling infrastructure has been made under Sadiq Khan, and what are his long-term plans?
2. Has TfL resolved the problems that delayed some cycling schemes under the previous Mayor?
3. Has segregation delivered the anticipated benefits on the Cycle Superhighways? How many cyclists are using these routes?
4. To what extent has segregation had negative consequences for other road users and, if necessary, how can this be mitigated?
5. Have Quietways delivered their anticipated benefits? How many cyclists are using them?
6. What are the differences in infrastructure between inner and outer London? How can TfL ensure infrastructure in different areas is sufficient and appropriate to the location?
7. How will TfL’s new ‘Strategic Cycling Analysis’ help determine where and how to invest in infrastructure?
8. How appropriate is the 400-metre target set in the draft Transport Strategy? Can we equate proximity with access?
9. Is TfL’s approach to public engagement working effectively to improve scheme designs and meet stakeholder needs?
10. Are Londoners sufficiently aware of the cycling infrastructure available to them, and how can awareness be increased?
11. How is TfL using infrastructure to attract a more diverse range of people to cycle in London?
12. Is there sufficient cycle parking in London, and is it in the right locations?
13. How are the lessons of the Mini-Hollands and other previous cycling schemes being applied elsewhere?
14. Should cycling infrastructure be oriented toward longer-distance commuting journeys, or more localised trips?
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
London Assembly says:
Our investigation
What different approaches could TfL and London boroughs take to improve junctions and increase walking and cycling in Outer London?
Small pockets of improvement don’t change the fact that most London streets are dominated by traffic and noise. They are hostile places even to step out into for a pint of milk.
On behalf of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Russell AM is investigating how our streets and junctions can become more people-friendly.
Get involved
There are a number of specific questions the Committee is seeking to answer. Please address any questions where you have relevant views and information to share, and feel free to cover any other issues you would like the Committee to consider.
Are there lessons to be learned from previous junction improvements?
How can we enable more people to walk and cycle?
How can we make our streets and junctions less hostile to people getting around by bike and on foot?
How do you get all road users on board?
Please email transportcommittee@london.gov.uk by August 11 and share the investigation on Twitter using #OuterLondonJunctions
Key Facts
The Mayor and TfL are promoting walking and cycling as a form of active travel and a way to reduce health inequalities - however, currently, over 40 percent of Londoners fall short of the recommended 150 minutes of activity per week.
TfL research has found that people who live in Outer London tend to walk less than those who live in Inner London. Public transport coverage is lower and car ownership is higher in Outer London, with cars making up a larger share of journeys. In particular, people who live in Outer London are less likely to walk children to school, walk to see friends or relatives, and walk to pubs, restaurants and cinemas.
In 2015:
53 percent of Inner Londoners walked at least five journeys a week, compared to 35 percent of Outer Londoners
47 percent of Inner Londoners walked as part of longer journeys on other forms of transport at least five times a week, compared to 41 percent of Outer Londoners
Created by Simon here // 2 threads
Complete separation of cyclists and cars can't always be achieved. To make sharing of the road safer I would like to propose using rumble strips instead of flat paint to separate the bike lane from the rest of the road. It would act as a physical reminder for car-drivers that they are encroaching the bike lane. This happens particularly near pinch points like road bends or crossroads. So even just a selective application of rumble strips could have a very positive effect, I believe. What's the view of the cycling community? Has it been tested?
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Draft Mayor's Transport Strategy 2017
On June 21 Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, published a draft of the Mayor's Transport Strategy. The document sets out the Mayor’s policies and proposals to reshape transport in London over the next 25 years.
About the strategy
Transport has the potential to shape London, from the streets Londoners live, work and spend time on, to the Tube, rail and bus services they use every day.
By using the Healthy Streets Approach to prioritise human health and experience in planning the city, the Mayor wants to change London’s transport mix so the city works better for everyone.
Three key themes are at the heart of the strategy.
1. Healthy Streets and healthy people
Creating streets and street networks that encourage walking, cycling and public transport use will reduce car dependency and the health problems it creates.
2. A good public transport experience
Public transport is the most efficient way for people to travel over distances that are too long to walk or cycle, and a shift from private car to public transport could dramatically reduce the number of vehicles on London’s streets.
3. New homes and jobs
More people than ever want to live and work in London. Planning the city around walking, cycling and public transport use will unlock growth in new areas and ensure that London grows in a way that benefits everyone.
Created by Elizabeth E. // 1 thread
Southwark Council are consulting on their air quality action plan
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
London Assembly said:
"Buses are the busiest form of public transport in London. The city has 675 bus routes, with around 9,000 buses in operation and over 19,000 bus stops. Approximately 2.5 billion bus passenger trips are made every year, around double the number made on London Underground.
"TfL commissions private operators to run bus services in London, awarding seven-year contracts to operate bus routes. Although bus safety (in terms of casualty numbers) has improved over recent years, there was a spike in bus collision fatalities in 2015.
"The London Assembly Transport Committee is investigating two aspects of bus services in London: Network Design and Safety."
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Need cycle track on Sevenoaks Road, Orpington - this is the only route in to town and is very dangerous.
Created by Simon Munk // 5 threads
Full route of Quietway 7 Elephant & Castle to Crystal Palace
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Recently near Petts Wood station there has been a similar junction where the main flow of traffic is round the corner, whilst being a crossroads, which has been changed to a mini roundabout which slows the traffic more and makes it easier for cyclists. http://osm.org/go/0EEBtsaNj-?m
I'm wondering if the same can happen here.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
London Cycling Campaign's Space for Cycling campaign
Has a clear message - what can we learn from them?
Created by George Coulouris // 7 threads
This issue is intended to act a repository for material that can be used to back-up the LCC's 2014 Local Election Campaign 'Asks'. There are 6 'asks' that were finalised and agreed at the LCC's AGM on 19 October 2013:
1. Safe routes to schools
2. Areas without through motor traffic (AWTTs)
3. Protected space on main roads/major junctions
4. Safe cycle routes via parks and canals (Greenways)
5. 20mph speed limits
6. Liveable town centres
so we'll have 6 threads under this Cyclescape issue where we can collect explanations, discussions and most importantly concrete illustrations of what is meant by each ask.
Created by Simon here // 2 threads
Complete separation of cyclists and cars can't always be achieved. To make sharing of the road safer I would like to propose using rumble strips instead of flat paint to separate the bike lane from the rest of the road. It would act as a physical reminder for car-drivers that they are encroaching the bike lane. This happens particularly near pinch points like road bends or crossroads. So even just a selective application of rumble strips could have a very positive effect, I believe. What's the view of the cycling community? Has it been tested?