Tooting: New cycling contraflow scheme aimed to improve safety announced in Tooting

A new cycling contraflow system has been announced by Wandsworth Council.

Six new contraflows are being introduced, including on Keble Street, Tooting and Cloudesdale Road, Balham.

The schemes will incorporate clear new signage and road markings, including double yellow lines on corners, to enhance safety and improve visibility.

The contraflows are being introduced under experimental traffic orders which means they can be set up alongside a public consultation. This means the initiatives will be monitored while in operation and changes can be made as the needs arise.

The pilot schemes will be commencing from August 13.

The contraflow schemes will apply in:

• Bullen Street, Battersea – between Battersea Park Road and Shuttleworth Road.
• Cloudesdale Road, Balham – between Elmfield Road and Ritherdon Road.
• Keble Street, Tooting – between Garratt Lane and Wimbledon Road.
• North Passage, Putney – between Sudlow Road and Adelaide Road.
• Tonsley Hill, Wandsworth – between Tonsley Street and Tonsley Place.
• Rockland Road, Esmond Street and Winthrope Road, Putney between the junctions with Oxford Road.

Councillor John Locker said: "These experimental contraflow schemes are designed to make it easier and safer for cyclists as they will allow them to avoid some busy junctions. One of our aims is to encourage more people to take up two-wheeled travel.

"Introducing convenient short-cuts for cyclists on quieter roads with low traffic volumes as pilot schemes is just one of the ways we are trying to encourage higher levels of bike travel in the borough.

"And persuading people to get out of their cars and switch to cycling is one of the ways we can help meet our climate emergency targets and reduce carbon emissions."

Feedback on the validity and value of the schemes will be considered over the next six months with residents and businesses encouraged to have their say.

The changes could only be made permanent via a Permanent Traffic Order following a formal decision by the council's strategic planning and transportation overview and scrutiny committee.

If you would like to submit feedback about the schemes, you can do so via the Wandsworth Council website.

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