A21 Bromley Road – New Bus Lane

Thank you for your comments. 

We hold public consultations either where there is a legal requirement on us to do so, or where there is a history of our having undertaken a consultation in similar circumstances (i.e. on similar proposals) in the past.  Where we are proposing to make changes to the Transport for London Road Network, as in this case, there is a history of our consulting the public where those proposals involve reasonably significant changes to the highway.  In this case, the changes to the A21 Bromley Road are not significant, and for that reason no consultation has been undertaken.

Bus lanes are one of the most effective methods of prioritising bus services over general traffic. Buses can bypass slower moving traffic, so they can reach and pick up passengers at the next stop quicker. Bus journey times are improved, and bus passengers can get to their destinations quicker. 

Bus Lanes are not only open to buses but to other modes of transport such as pedal cyclists, motorbikes, taxis, and patient transport vehicles. These create benefits for Londoner’s using these modes of transport as they will also see an improvement in journey times. It also creates safety benefits for vulnerable road users such as pedal cyclists and motorcyclists, as they can be separated from the busiest traffic lanes.

As part of the design for this scheme, we conducted Network Impact Assessment the evaluate the general traffic flow in the area. Our findings revealed that, where bus lanes have been introduced, traffic on the A21 tends to predominantly travel in a single lane. Therefore, the addition of the bus lanes expected to further reinforce this behaviour.

Also, we will conduct before and after bus journey time surveys for all bus routes covered by the proposals. In addition, we will monitor the impact on personal injury collisions and vehicle speeds through before and after surveys.  Additionally, we will work with the London Borough of Lewisham to collate any feedback and investigate any issues that arise.

There is no specific arbitrator for this kind of matter.

Thank you for your comments. 

We believe that the introduction of new bus lanes will enhance the reliability of bus services and offer additional benefits for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, who can also use the bus lanes. Our goal in expanding the bus lane network is to make public transport a more attractive option for Londoners, encouraging them to choose buses over cars for their daily commute.

Regarding your concern about stationary traffic near the junction with Oldstead Road and the traffic lights at Beckenham Hill Road, the eastbound bus lane begins almost 40 meters after the Oldstead Road junction, providing enough space for traffic to merge into the right lane. Additionally, we are not introducing new bus lanes near the Beckenham Hill Road junction. The only change in that area will be the installation of new cycle reservoirs and advance stop lines.

We will undertake before and after bus journey time surveys for all bus routes covered by the proposals. This will include the impact it has on neighbouring streets. In addition, we will monitor the impact on personal injury collisions and vehicle speeds through before and after surveys.  We will also work with the London Borough of Lewisham to collate any feedback and investigate any issues that arise.

Thank you for your question.

We are not introducing a bus lane on this section of the road.

A bus can hold up over 60 people in the same space as 3 cars, and new bus lanes will help make buses more attractive to customers. Our bus fleet is increasingly better for the environment, with electric buses being rolled out across the fleet.

As part of the design for this scheme, we conducted Network Impact Assessment the evaluate the general traffic flow in the area. Our findings revealed that, where bus lanes have been introduced, traffic on the A21 tends to predominantly travel in a single lane. Therefore, the addition of the bus lanes expected to further reinforce this behaviour.

We will undertake before and after bus journey time surveys for all bus routes covered by the proposals. In addition, we will monitor the impact on personal injury collisions and vehicle speeds through before and after surveys. 

We will also work with the London Borough of Lewisham to collate any feedback and investigate any issues that arise.

We are not proposing any new bus lanes on the junction with Downham Way. The only change that is planned for the junction with Downham Way is a new advance cycle stop line.

The Bromley Road bus lanes are part of a broader initiative to introduce 25 km of new bus lanes across London by March 2025.  This is funded through our Safe & Healthy Streets Portfolio. 

Across the whole  we are investing £5 million to enhance the bus network and introduce new bus lanes throughout London.

We regularly assess all the roads in London using a variety of datasets. Our data indicates that this is a good location to improve bus journey times We will undertake before and after bus journey time surveys for all bus routes covered by the proposal and these will tell us the exact extent of this improvement.

As part of the implementation of new bus lanes, we do not propose any removal of parking or loading bays, nor are we making changes to the existing single and double red lines in the area. 

Residents and visitors will still be able to use the available parking and loading bays within the scheme’s boundaries. Additionally, parking will remain permitted in single red line areas from 7 PM to 7 AM, Monday to Friday, as well as throughout Sunday.

Thank you for your question.  You will be able to access your property.

Crossing a bus lane is allowed under the following exemptions:

-    To access private driveways, forecourts or land for example homes, shops, and businesses. 

-    To avoid an accident or collision.

-    To allow a person to get or give help following an accident or in an emergency.

-    To such an extent or time to comply with roadworks or traffic management set out following an emergency. 

-    On any occasion where the vehicle is being used by the emergency services (i.e. Ambulance) where the bus lane stops them from responding.

For further information, please see our website here 

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes/rules-of-red-routes/bus-lanes

Thank you for your question.

We are retaining the parking bays as they are of benefit to the local businesses.  We will keep monitoring the bus lane and may review the parking bays at a later date if they do appear to be blocking the buses.