FAQs

Traffic modelling has been done to establish the impact on traffic as a result of the new pedestrian crossing, this has indicated that the proposed crossing has only a minor impact to journey times (including bus journeys) due to buses being well protected with bus lanes on the north and south approaches to the crossing. The model shows a maximum 30 seconds increase for all bus routes over both the morning and evening peaks. For general traffic, in the morning peak, northbound traffic journey time is expected to increase by 30-60 seconds and by 0-30 seconds in the evening peak in both directions. The scheme is therefore not expected to result in any significant increase in congestion along the corridor and the minor increase in journey time is a compromise for the improved safety of pedestrians crossing in this area.

A straight-across crossing was also modelled at this location, this showed that while the crossing has only minor impact to buses due to them being well protected with bus lanes, for general traffic in the morning and evening peak periods traffic would increase more significantly if a ‘straight-across’ option was installed. The northbound journey times could increase by 3 to 4 minutes in the morning peak and 4 to 5 minutes in the evening peak. Traffic northbound is very heavy and condensed and hence a straight-across crossing, that would require traffic on the A23 to be stopped for longer to allow pedestrians to cross the road would have a larger impact, with increased queuing potentially as far back as Streatham Common Northside. Therefore, we are proposing a staggered rather than straight-across pedestrian crossing at this location to maximise benefit to all road users, including bus passengers. 

The speed at which people are driving or riding is the single most important determinant of both the likelihood of a collision occurring and the severity of the outcome. The faster a person is driving, the less time they have to react to avoid a collision, and the more severe any resulting injuries will be. The impact of a collision increases disproportionately as vehicle speed increases. If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle at 20mph, they are about five times less likely to be killed than if they were hit at 30mph.The Vision Zero Action Plan published alongside the Mayor’s Transport Strategy includes an action for TfL to engage on delivering a programme to reduce speed limits in town centres and high streets outside the inner ring road by the end of 2024. In line with the Vision Zero Action Plan, we are proposing a reduction in the speed limit on this section of the A23 from 30mph to 20mph ahead of this date. A reduction in the speed limit to 20mph will also help drivers have better visibility of signals on approach to the crossing, on a section of the A23 which is a busy bus and traffic corridor.