The area affected is bordered by Upper Richmond Road to the north, Putney Heath to the south, Putney Hill to the east and Putney Park Lane to the west.   The proposals aim to combat increasing numbers of drivers cutting though residential streets to avoid rush hour traffic jams.  

A full local consultation on the proposals will begin over the coming weeks.  If residents support the plans works could begin in the summer.   The area affected would link up with a 20mph speed limit on roads to the west of Putney Park Lane which was approved earlier this year.  If both schemes go ahead it would mean almost the entire West Putney Ward would be subject to a reduced speed limit.  

Wandsworth's transport spokesman Guy Senior said:
"This residential area is boarded by several busy main roads. We share local people’s concerns that more and more cars are attempting to avoid congestion on these routes by cutting through West Putney’s quieter side streets.   A lower speed limit would discourage the ‘rat running’, reduce the number of accidents in the area and improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists."  

New signs and road markings would clearly identify the roads affected.  On roads which currently experience the highest average vehicle speeds some new traffic calming measures would be introduced.   The scheme costs would be met by Transport for London (TfL).   The plans were backed by the council’s planning and transportation overview and scrutiny committee on February 22 and given final approval by the executive on March 1.   To view the full report visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/osc/planning  - look at the agenda for February 22, report number 10 – 207.

March 17, 2010