A22 Godstone Road Proposed changes to the road layout and red route controls Response to issues raised December 2018

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Contents Background ............................................................................................................ 3

Conclusion.............................................................................................................. 3

Next steps .............................................................................................................. 6

Response to issues commonly raised .................................................................... 7

Loss of parking space ......................................................................................... 7

Godstone Road junctions with Waterbourne Way and Old Barn Lane ............... 7

Additional parking on Old Barn Lane .................................................................. 8

Parking provision ................................................................................................ 8

Extra parking bays .............................................................................................. 8

Creating more space to park ............................................................................... 9

Changes to parking time periods ........................................................................ 9

Parking on the pavement ...................................................................................10

Parking policy ....................................................................................................10

Road safety ........................................................................................................10

Road crossings ..................................................................................................10

General ..............................................................................................................11

Traffic speeds ....................................................................................................11

Safety cameras ..................................................................................................12

Road markings ...................................................................................................12

Red lines and red route clearway controls .........................................................13

Changes to double red line restrictions between Waterbourne Way and the private access road ............................................................................................13

Streetscape ........................................................................................................14

Road layout ........................................................................................................14

Side roads ..........................................................................................................15

Provision for cyclists ..........................................................................................15

Provision for pedestrians ...................................................................................15

Zebra crossings .................................................................................................15

Pavement space ................................................................................................16

Bus stop locations ..............................................................................................16

Enforcement ......................................................................................................16

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Background During summer 2017 we proposed changes to the road layout, and amendments to red line controls along the A22 Godstone Road from Foxley Hill Road to Old Barn Lane in the London Borough of Croydon.

Our proposals included changes to double and single red lines and red route clearway controls, changes to bus stop facilities, improved zebra crossings, and changes to road layouts at some side road and designated parking areas.

Vehicles are not allowed to stop at any time on red route clearways (which are similar to urban clearways). Stopping is only permitted in marked bays, and in accordance with the time plate restrictions shown

The absence of red route signs and lines along some sections of the proposal area was creating difficulty at a number of locations, in particular where vehicles were illegally parked too close to side roads or on pavements. Generally road users were experiencing difficulties seeing each other. Vehicles experienced difficulty entering and exiting side roads, and pedestrians were finding it dangerous to cross the road.

We were also aware that vehicles were using red route parking bays for longer than permitted. This resulted in fewer shoppers having access to local businesses in the area.

Our proposals sought to address these issues, introducing a more consistent approach to the rules for stopping and parking.

Conclusion We received 114 responses to the consultation, of which:

• 34 per cent of respondents supported or strongly supported changes to red lines and red route clearway controls; 29 per cent were opposed or strongly opposed

• 35 per cent of respondents supported or strongly supported proposals to make changes to bus stop facilities; 19 per cent were opposed or strongly opposed

• 48 per cent of respondents supported or strongly supported proposals to upgrade and widen zebra crossings; nine per cent were opposed or strongly opposed

• 38 per cent of respondents supported or strongly supported proposals to make changes to the road layout; 16 per cent were opposed or strongly opposed

Following careful consideration of the consultation responses received, we have modified our proposals and will now proceed with a modified scheme.

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Additional parking spaces

Following feedback received during consultation we revised our proposals to provide more parking where demand was high. Legal parking places will now increase by five spaces as follows:

• Kenley Memorial Hall: we will extend the parking bay at the front of the hall to create space for five more vehicles. This will become a continuous parking bay with a two-hour parking limit throughout, applicable Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm, with no return for four hours. Parking remains unrestricted on Sundays

If possible we will increase this by a further four to six spaces, subject to investigations, as follows:

• St James’s shops - 32-40 Godstone Road, subject to the outcome of site investigations and underground surveys we’ll see if it’s feasible to move the bus stop outside the dry cleaners at 34 Godstone Road to create additional parking space for up to three vehicles

• Valley View Gardens, near Garston Lane: we will contact residents in the vicinity of Valley View Gardens to assess the need for two existing disabled parking bays adjacent to 300 Godstone Road. If these are not required we will issue a traffic order to notify our intention to change the disabled bays to standard bays. Provided there is no objection, this could increase standard parking spaces by two places

Changes to double red line restrictions between Waterbourne Way and the private access road

Following concerns about reduced parking for residents along this section of Godstone Road, we reviewed our proposals to see if additional legal parking spaces could be accommodated while retaining the important safety benefits of removing parked vehicles from the road. Our traffic count surveys suggested that the number of large and heavy goods vehicles using Godstone Road after 7pm was low. At the same time, speeding vehicles were also an issue when the road was clear.

We consider a better balance can be found with the introduction of single red lines instead of double red lines along this section of the road and have amended our proposals to accommodate this. This amendment benefits residents whilst promoting slower traffic speeds.

Single red lines will keep this section of the road clear of parked vehicles between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday; and would permit parking from 7pm to 7am Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday.

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Changes to time plate restrictions

As above, the time place restriction for parking outside of Kenley Memorial Hall will change from a one-hour parking limit from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm with no return within two hours; to a two-hour parking limit from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm, with no return within four hours

Station Road junction with Godstone Road

In response to feedback received, we will bring forward plans to reconstruct the road layout at the Station Road/Godstone Road junction during 2019, instead of during 2020.

Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs)

By introducing double red lines up to the red route clearway, we are taking a consistent approach to make it clear that vehicles should not stop or park on these sections of the road.

Electric vehicle Rapid Charging Points (RCPs)

We are committed to the Mayor of London’s target to install 150 rapid charging points (RCPs) across London by the end of 2018.

This forms part of the Mayor’s work to clean up London's air and rid the Capital of the most polluting vehicles. To achieve this, we need to transform London's streets and transport infrastructure to enable zero emission operation. This work will be supported by developing a network of rapid charging points which will help charge Electric Vehicles more quickly and efficiently.

Since consultation, under a separate exercise, three parking spaces along Godstone Road were identified as locations for conversion to RCP bays, and these have now been installed at no’s 34, 72 and 308 Godstone Road

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Next steps We expect to proceed with our plans for Godstone Road based on the following indicative timetable: Advertisement of local Traffic Regulation Orders Early 2019

Changes to red route signs and lines • including an extended parking

bay at Kenley Memorial Hall Early 2019

Refreshed bus stop and road markings Early 2019

Station Road construction work Early 2019

Remainder of construction work • Zebra crossing improvements • Changes to bus stop facilities • Parking bay and pavement

resurfacing

Late 2019 to early 2020

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Response to issues commonly raised We have responded to the key issues raised during consultation as follows:

Loss of parking space

There was concern about a reduction in parking space as a result of the introduction of new double red lines along Godstone Road.

Godstone Road is a red route clearway, which means that parking should not take place except where designated.

Based on red route clearway rules, our proposals do not remove any legal parking spaces. The introduction of double red lines is designed to make it clearer where parking is and is not permitted.

However in response to the concerns made, we have changed our proposals so that we can offer between five and nine additional parking spaces. There will be five extra spaces outside Kenley Memorial Hall. Subject to investigations, this may increase by a further four spaces at St James’s shops (32-40 Godstone Road approx.) and a further two spaces near to Valley View Gardens.

Godstone Road junctions with Waterbourne Way and Old Barn Lane

There was particular concern that residential parking would be affected by the introduction of double red lines along this section of Godstone Road.

As part of our work to build a safer, more reliable road network, it’s important that parking only takes place where it is legal and safe. This is in line with our Vision Zero objective that sets out the key measures we will need to take to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network. The plan focuses on road danger reduction, as this the area where our greatest challenge lies. More information about Vision Zero can be found on our website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/safety-and-security/road-safety/vision-zero-for-london

In addition to concerns about parking, we are in receipt of feedback from local residents that report how large vehicles are often not able to pass through this section of the road when vehicles are parked, which has increased congestion and led to driver frustration.

Following these concerns we reviewed our proposals to see if additional legal parking spaces could be accommodated while retaining the important safety benefits of removing parked vehicles from the road during the day time, when the road it at it’s busiest.

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Our traffic count surveys suggested that the number of large and heavy goods vehicles using Godstone Road after 7pm was low. At the same time, speeding vehicles were also an issue when the road was clear.

We consider a better balance can be found by introducing single red lines instead of double red lines, northbound from the Godstone Road junction with Waterbourne Way, up to the private access road. Double red lines will still be placed on the southbound side of the road and at the Waterbourne Way junction, for 10 metres along Godstone Road to ensure visibility is improved.

Single red lines would keep this section of the road clear of parked vehicles between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday. Parking would be permitted from 7pm to 7am Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday. This amendment benefits residents whilst continuing to deliver vital safety benefits.

We appreciate the introduction of single red lines north of the private access road, up to Waterbourne Way may inconvenience those that park at this location between 7am and 7pm, but hope all road users will benefit from this safety measure. Drivers that park for access to Kenley Station or employees of the nearby business park could seek alternative parking away from the main road or make alternative arrangements for their commute, such as via the 412 bus route.

Additional parking on Old Barn Lane

There was concern the level of parking on Old Barn Lane might increase as displaced vehicles sought space to park there. A review of parking controls along Old Barn Lane was suggested. As this road is managed under the authority of Croydon Council, we have passed this feedback to them for consideration.

Parking provision

Extra parking bays

We received suggestions of places where more legal parking bays would be useful. In particular, near to Hayes Lane Co-op, and from Bourne View to Old Barn Lane.

As mentioned in our response to ‘Loss of parking space’, we have reviewed our plans and will be offering additional parking nearby. However there is not space to safely add more parking bays near to the Co-op, or along Godstone Road from Bourne View to Old Barn Lane. As part of our Vision Zero objective, the safety benefits of restricting the amount of cars parked along Godstone Road on the southbound approach to Old Barn Lane must be reiterated.

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Creating more space to park

We also received suggestions that could create extra spaces to park by removing other facilities, such as pavement space, cycle racks and bus stop markings.

The amount of pavement space provided, and the amount of space required for buses to serve bus stops, must comply with Department for Transport standards, and Bus Stop Accessibility and Streetscape Guidance documents.

In addition to this, we are imbedding a ‘Healthy Streets Approach to every investment decision we make. This aims to improve air quality, reduce congestion and help make London's diverse communities greener, healthier and more attractive places to live, work, play and do business.

Our ‘Healthy Streets for London’ document sets out how we will put people and their health at the centre of our decision making, helping everyone to use cars less and to walk, cycle and use public transport more. The document can be read on line here: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/how-we-work/planning-for-the-future/healthy-streets

Based on the Healthy Streets Approach, we are actively looking to promote cycling and the introduction of new cycle racks as part of this scheme is aimed to cater for this.

Changes to parking time periods

There were several locations along Godstone Road where requests were made for shorter or longer time periods for parking in designated bays. These included:

• St James’s shops near to Little Roke Road, a change in restriction from ‘at any time’ to ‘one hour’ for more opportunity to park

• Kenley Memorial Hall, a longer time limit that the current restriction of ‘one hour’ as some local activities lasted more than one hour

Further to feedback received we have agreed to change the time restriction for parking outside of Kenley Memorial Hall from a one-hour parking limit from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm with no return within two hours; to a two-hour parking limit from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm, with no return within four hours. Sunday parking will remain unrestricted. It is not possible to change the restriction at St James’s shops because after a review of those existing parking controls it was deemed that these were sufficient and did not require further amendment.

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Parking on the pavement

Some respondents asked for clarification about parking on the pavement, in particular between 300-356 Godstone Road, towards Whyteleafe. We were asked to confirm whether or not this is permitted.

Parking on pavements and grass verges, or in front of dropped kerbs and driveways is banned on almost all streets in London at all times, including at night and weekends, except where marked parking bays are provided, or where road signs indicate that this is permitted.

Between numbers 300-356 Godstone Road, including either side of Devon Close, parking is permitted on the grassed pavement verges. This is shown using blue backed, ‘P’ parking signs. When the ability to park on the pavement stops, the sign is cancelled out, as per the following examples:

Parking policy

There was concern about parking policy for new housing. It was suggested that property developers building locally should be required to provide more parking within their complex. We will share this feedback with colleagues at the London Borough of Croydon.

Road safety

Road crossings

In line with a general perception that Godstone Road felt unsafe for pedestrians, we were asked if the beacons at zebra crossings and the illuminated ‘school crossing’ signs could be brighter. We will be proceeding with proposals to upgrade the four zebra crossings between Foxley Hill Road and Old Barn Lane. These improvements will see each crossing made wider, with new lighting. The crossing will become a more prominent and visible feature of the road. We will also cut back the foliage as part of this scheme, which will increase the visibility of the school signs on the approach to Oakwood School

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There were concerns about the lack of a safe crossing facility close to Kenley Treatment works. An additional crossing at this location is not within the scope of the consultation. Nonetheless, we will investigate the possibility of providing this facility at a future date.

General

We were asked whether collision records for the Garston Lane and Old Barn Lane sections of the proposals warranted the movement of southbound bus stops.

Near to Garston Lane we are moving the bus cage to extend the zig-zag lines of the zebra crossing. This is a preventative measure is to increase visibility of the crossing for approaching vehicles which will make it safer for pedestrians to cross the road.

Near to Old Barn Lane we are moving the bus stop closer to Rose House and Crown House as this is a more suitable location for pedestrians wishing to cross the road. We are installing a new pedestrian crossing point to encourage safer crossing. The crossing point, along with the relocated bus stop will also help prevent vehicles over-taking on the board.

We were also made aware the roadside cabinet close to the Dale Road junction should be removed at this blocked the drivers’ views of the road. This cabinet is not part of our infrastructure and we would not be able to move this. However at this location, by changing the existing single red lines to double red lines, dangerous parking will be prevented. Double red lines will keep the road clear, improving the drivers view.

Traffic speeds

There was concern about current traffic speeds along Godstone Road. We were asked to consider the installation of a speed camera, or average speed cameras along some sections of the road. There was also concern that the introduction of new red lines would clear the road and make it easier to vehicles to speed.

We are committed to delivering a Vision Zero approach to road danger reduction, to ultimately rid London's roads of death and serious injury.

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. For this reason, reducing speed is fundamental to reducing danger on London’s roads and is a core component of the recently published Vision Zero action plan. Further details about how we are improving compliance with speed limits can be found in the plan here: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/vision-zero-action-plan.pdf

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Safety cameras

We fund, operate and maintain London’s safety camera network, which helps prevent a significant number of deaths and serious injuries each year. In order to continue the effectiveness of this technology into the future, we are currently upgrading old wet film cameras with new digital units through a safety camera replacement programme. Due to this ongoing programme, no new safety camera sites are currently being considered for installation.

Following the completion of this replacement programme, we will conduct a risk-based analysis that will identify locations which may potentially benefit from a safety camera to improve speed compliance. This new approach of site identification will prioritise higher risk locations, rather than solely targeting sites that have experienced historic casualty trends. The Metropolitan Police will also be making increased use of mobile speed enforcement technology to increase coverage and deterrence.

We work in partnership with the Metropolitan Police to undertake many speed management initiatives, including Community Road Watch. Community Roadwatch aims to reduce speeding in residential areas, and gives local residents the opportunity to work side by side with their local police teams, and use speed detection equipment to identify speeding vehicles in their communities. To take part in Community Roadwatch, residents can contact CommunityRoadwatch@met.police.uk. Enquiries will be forwarded to the relevant local MPS Safer Transport Team, who will be in touch.

Dangerous, illegal, or antisocial road user behaviour can also be reported directly to the police via their online reporting tool, RoadSafe London. The information and intelligence gathered via this tool is used to inform the activity of the police and partners. The tool is available online at https://www.met.police.uk/report/report-a-road-traffic-incident/

Road markings

Respondents told us that road markings along the road are worn and should be made clearer. As proposed in our consultation, we will be refreshing all existing road markings as part of this scheme. Where it was proposed existing white lines would be replaced with red lines, there was concern this would mean road markings are less clear, particularly in poor visibility. The colour of red routes was prescribed by the Department for Transport, and cannot be changed. Red lines are commonly used across London on the TLRN, with no reports that these are difficult to see. Therefore we do not anticipate visibility will be reduced.

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We were asked why there was a need to keep central cross hatchings near to Old Barn Lane once red route controls were in place. The introduction of single white central lines was suggested. As a design feature of the new crossing point opposite Rose House and Crown House, we need to mark out the road so that drivers are aware they are approaching the central island. By marking out the road from this safe distance, drivers have as much notice as possible that the layout of the road is changing as they come round the bend.

Red lines and red route clearway controls

There were concerns that residential parking would be affected by the introduction of double red lines, however, the importance of keeping Godstone Road clear from a safety point of view must be reiterated. Whilst we appreciate the introduction of double red lines may inconvenience those that park on the roadside now, we hope that residents in the area can seek alternative parking away from the main road. Drivers that park for access to Kenley Station or employees of the nearby business park could also make alternative arrangements for their commute, such as via the 412 bus route. We were asked to extend double red lines at Old Barn Lane, up to the site of the bus stop we will decommission. This section of Godstone Road is part of Surrey County Council. The TLRN can only extend to the borough boundary between Croydon and Surrey and it will not be possible to place double red lines at this location. We were also asked why some double red lines into side roads such as Waterbourne Way, extended longer than others. Following consultation, we have reviewed the line lengths and now confirm that these will only extend to the back of each pavement.

Changes to double red line restrictions between Waterbourne Way and the private access road

Following concerns about reduced parking for residents along this section of Godstone Road, we reviewed our proposals to see if additional legal parking spaces could be accommodated while retaining the important safety benefits of removing parked vehicles from the road. Our traffic count surveys suggested that the number of large and heavy goods vehicles using Godstone Road after 7pm was low. At the same time, speeding vehicles were also an issue when the road was clear.

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We consider a better balance can be found with the introduction of single red lines instead of double red lines along this section of the road.

Single red lines would keep this section of the road clear of parked vehicles between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday; and would permit parking from 7pm to 7am Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday. This amendment is designed to benefit residents while promoting slower traffic speeds.

Streetscape

As proposed, we will carry out landscaping when we re-site the southbound bus stop opposite Kenley Treatment Works. There were requests for further landscaping to take place along the road. Whilst further landscaping is not in the scope of the consultation, we will be arranging for overgrowth to be cut-back as part of our usual maintenance scheme on the TLRN.

Our consultation proposed block paving at shopping parades. It was suggested that all resurfacing should be plain tarmac and not block paving, as this would be easier to maintain and less of a trip hazard. Whilst we agree that tarmac is more economical and easier to maintain, as part of our proposal, we want to smarten up the shopping parades and make it clearer where parking is permitted. We will proceed as planned with the installation of block paving, with contrasting resurfacing for parking bays to achieve this.

Road layout

There was concern that changes to kerb heights at the zebra crossing in between Foxley Hill Road and Dale Road might worsen current issues with flooding during heavy rain. Therefore a flood or water management plan should be developed. Our designs aim to upgrade the crossing along this section of Godstone Road and are not expected to change the way that water drains away. We will monitor the area once the kerb heights change to ensure that storm water is draining effectively and that existing drains are operating as they should be.

We received feedback about the current layout at the Godstone Road junction with Approach Road. If this were to be considered in the future, any changes would need to be carefully assessed so that the impacts of any changes made, to Purley Cross were understood. For example, the addition of a yellow box junction might result in increased congestion.

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Side roads

As part of our proposal, side road entry points will be raised to be the same level as the pavement. This is a road safety design feature that helps pedestrians cross the road, and causes vehicles to go slower. Following feedback received, we will investigate making the raised road space steeper.

We noted feedback requesting the turnings into and out of larger sites such as Kenley treatment works, the building supplier at Old Barn Lane should be reduced. Both sites are regularly used by larger vehicles, and these entrance and exit points need to remain wider to safely accommodate these movements.

Similarly, we were asked to consider widening the turning angles at St. James’s Road and Hayes Lane to make it easier for larger vehicles to navigate them. Road widening of residential streets is not in the scope of this consultation, or in line with our Healthy Streets approach (see page six). We are also aware that refuge vehicles service both roads with no reported difficulty.

Provision for cyclists

We were asked to consider the addition of cycle lanes along the proposal area. Due to the width of the road, it is not possible to accommodate a continuous cycle lane. However, existing advisory cycle lanes will remain and these will be repainted.

We are also introducing cycle racks at Kenley Parade, located on the pavement.

Provision for pedestrians

Zebra crossings

Proposed improvements to zebra crossings were generally welcomed. There were various suggestions during consultation of changes respondents would like to see made.

We were asked to consider re-siting the Foxley Hill Road crossing closer to the natural walking route to Purley station. It is important that changes made to Godstone Road do not result in additional congestion, particularly in close proximity to Purley Cross. It is not possible to move the zebra crossing closer to Purley Cross, as this would result southbound traffic queues, particularly in the AM and PM peaks, when the crossings are heavily used and the roads are busier.

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Additional zebra crossings were suggested near to Devon Close for easier access to the northbound bus stop was suggested and near to Hayes Lane, due to this being a busy school walking route. Additional zebra crossings are not within the scope of the consultation, and would need to be considered separately; taking into account the effect these might have on traffic congestion and associated pollution levels.

Pavement space

Additional pavement space was suggested to provide more space for pedestrians, in particular from Lower Road to Station Road where school children congregate. Due to the layout of the road, it is not possible to widen the pavements. However with the road layout changes planned for Station Road and the removal of illegal parking, this section of the road will appear more open and the pedestrian environment will improve.

Bus stop locations

We received feedback about bus stop locations along Godstone Road. It was noted some stops were too close together, which would prevent vehicles from over-taking if a bus was at a stop.

We need to strike a balance between keeping traffic moving, which reduces congestion and ways to promote safer driving.

We intend to site bus stop G at Old Barn Lane, close to the new crossing point. This will help calm traffic where there are concerns that the road is dangerous; and introduces a safe and convenient crossing point for pedestrians.

By siting bus stops close to each other, we prevent vehicles from overtaking buses where it is not safe to do so. We recognise some residents felt buses in stop caused substantial traffic delay to other road users. Usually, buses are only in stop for approximately one minute. This temporary delay helps to periodically slow average traffic speed to safer levels.

Enforcement

There was a general view that enforcement needs to be increased along Godstone Road otherwise planned changes would bring no benefits and may lead to more parking offences. We have worked with colleagues in our enforcement team to develop our proposals and they have noted these comments. By making it clearer to drivers where legal parking is permitted, there is less chance of avoidable penalty notices being issued.

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