South London council accused of prioritising wealthier streets in borough after saying it will take two years to add new crossin...
A South London council has been accused of prioritising wealthier streets in its borough ahead of others when improving traffic issues. Greenwich Council has been asked to improve the pedestrian crossing on Victory Parade outside the Elizabeth line station in Woolwich town centre to stop commuters crossing the road at other points.
The question was asked by local resident Malcolm Reid, who claimed that thousands of residents used the junction every day. Labour Councillor Averil Lekau, cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said at a Greenwich Council meeting on October 25 that the authority was in talks with Transport for London (TfL) about the issue, but feared a solution to the complex junction could take a “couple of years”.
Mr Reid said at the meeting: “I do seek clarification on the fact that it will take two years. I would ask whether you agree that this council is prioritising traffic areas for the wealthy streets of Hyde Vale, Croom’s Hill, compared to the people that are using public transport in Woolwich?”
READ MORE: South London residents fear road so dangerous 'someone will lose their life' as nothing done
Cllr Lekau said she took umbrage to Mr Reid’s statement and that there was no validity to it. She said in her written response that the council supported adding a new crossing outside the station, but was worried that any changes could just move the issue further along the road.
The councillor also said that TfL was carrying out a feasibility study and exploring design options for the area. She said the transport authority was committed to working on the crossing, but that the body does not typically operate at “break neck” speed.
The cabinet member said in her response: “The initial analysis we have seen, shows the majority of pedestrians using the western arm of the supercrossing, are heading east towards the station entrance but we are not sure this guarantees they would head east on the southern footway to cross at the realigned crossing, rather than crossing informally. Given the significant volumes observed on this part of the crossing we feel this warrants further investigation.”
She added: “Ultimately, we concluded that something needs to be done and agreed that what was proposed was the best option to take forward to modelling. The scheme is still at feasibility design stage and there will be an ongoing dialogue with TfL on design detail as it is developed.”
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