Statutory consultation, 10 February 2022

You may be aware that in 2019 Merton Council carried out a consultation on a proposal to remove the kerbside contra-flow cycle lane between Arthur Road and Stroud Road but maintain the contra-flow cycle movement along the carriageway. Regrettably due to the pandemic and the withdrawal of funding the scheme was put on hold.   

It is widely considered that the existing cycle lane is not fit for purpose and brings with it a variety of issues such as:- 

  • It is very narrow and is often obstructed by vehicles and debris.  
  • Conflict between cyclists and parked cars when drivers open their vehicles doors.  
  • Reported damage to parked cars caused both by cyclists in the contraflow lane and by wider vehicles travelling along the carriageway. Service vehicles are struggling to negotiate the relatively narrow carriageway which has not been helped by more modern vehicles being wider that since the original scheme was implemented. 
  • Potential lack of pedestrian awareness when crossing the cycle lane. 

To address the above issues and to safe guard all road users, the Council will be removing the existing cycle lane with the exception of the kerb protected section of the cycle lane from Arthur Road for a distance of 27 metres and will be allowing cyclists to ride against the flow of traffic on the carriageway. To facilitate and safeguard cyclists travelling against the current one-way system, it is proposed to implement the measures as shown on the plan overleaf.  

The proposed additional parking bays, double yellow lines (at junctions and passing gap) and the changes to the contra-flow cycle lane require a statutory consultation. 

What happens next 

A Notice of the Council’s proposals to implement the above aspects of the project will be published in a local newspaper Wimbledon and Wandsworth Times and the London Gazette.  Notices will also be posted on lamp columns in the area.  

Representations for and against the proposals described in this Notice must be put in writing by emailing paul.miles@merton.gov.uk or write to Environment & Regeneration Department, Future Merton, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX no later than 4 March 2022.  Please quote reference ES/SS/2022/Melrose-Contraflow. 

It is essential that your full name and postal address are provided within your representation, otherwise your representation may not be considered.   

All representations along with Officers’ comments and recommendations will be presented in a report to the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and the Climate Emergency. Please note that responses to any representations received will not be made until the Cabinet Member makes a final decision. The Council is required to give weight to the nature and content of your representation and not necessarily the quantity. Your reasons are, therefore, important to us.