TfL accused of not 'properly informing' Streatham residents about changes to A23 road

Plans to transform Streatham Hill’s part of the A23 road with new pedestrian crossings and a protected cycle route have been criticised by local Liberal Democrats, who argue residents have not been properly consulted on the scheme.

Transport for London (TfL) announced last week that construction work will begin this summer on the project between Sternhold Avenue, next to Streatham Hill station, and Holmewood Road, at the top of Brixton Hill.

As well as making it safer and more pleasant for people to walk and cycle along the main road, the scheme also includes improvements to bus lanes by removing parking and loading bays.

The project was initially consulted on by TfL over six weeks between February 10 and March 22 of 2020, and included drop-in sessions at Streatham Tate Library and Streatham Space Project. However, as this period coincided with the emergence of the Covid pandemic in the UK, the consultation was then extended to April 19 for feedback online or by post.

The survey ended up receiving 1118 responses, of which 83 per cent said the changes would make cycling through the area safer, and 70 per cent thought it would make walking safer.

TfL has now published on its website a raft of documents outlining the plans’ precise technical details, and have invited residents to share any comments or questions about the scheme by writing to them within the next 21 days.

But Donna Harris, who leads the Lib Dem opposition on Lambeth Council, warned that not enough publicity had been given to the “highly disruptive” construction works - which are expected to go on until spring 2027.

“Streatham residents are fed up with being left out of decisions that directly impact their daily lives,” she said. “TfL has quietly posted a 21-day consultation on its website for highly disruptive works - but how many locals even know about it? It’s a disgrace.

“Residents should have been properly informed, and a local venue should have been set up to answer questions, just as was done at Streatham Space Project half a decade ago.

“Many residents will have come and gone without ever knowing this project was in the works. TfL and Lambeth Council must do better - consultations should be meaningful, not just a tick-box exercise.”

TfL did not respond when approached for a comment in response to Ms Harris. However, in its press release on the scheme last week, TfL insisted that the construction programme has been “planned to minimise disruption for local residents and businesses as much as possible, including maintaining traffic flow and avoiding night working where possible”.

“TfL will also work closely with bus operators to minimise any impacts on bus services as much as possible and 24/7 bus garage access will be maintained. TfL will be working closely with Lambeth Council to monitor and address any impacts on local side roads and the surrounding road network.

“Side road closures will be staggered to avoid multiple impacts to residents. All loading and parking will be facilitated on borough roads to prevent additional congestion to the A23. A TfL public liaison officer will also consult with local businesses about bespoke loading arrangements as needed.

“A comprehensive customer communications campaign will be put in place to ensure customers are aware of these works and their impacts and are equipped with comprehensive travel advice and information. TfL will also be launching a dedicated travel advice page closer to the start of these works.”

The scheme has been backed by Lambeth Council’s Labour administration, with the authority’s deputy leader Rezina Chowdhury saying it will be “transformational” for Streatham.

“New pedestrian crossings and safe cycling infrastructure, improved bus lanes, extra trees and greenery will be a huge boost to the high street and great benefit for businesses, residents and road users,” she said.