East Hillside Traffic Proposals
- webwpra
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Last week WPRA was made aware of some traffic proposals which are quite worrying. These concern the East Hillside area and are shown on this map.
The pdf file of the East Hillside Traffic Proposals map can also be downloaded using the link below.
WPRA received the information via two neighbouring residents associations Belvedere Estates RA and Parkside RA. who are more closely affected.
Discussion on these proposals seems to have gone on for some time, but the WPRA had not been advised or consulted. In fact it appeared that our own Councillors had not been advised either. WPRA alerted our Councillors and wrote directly to the Council expressing our concern (see email content below). We have yet to receive an acknowledgment.
WPRA have been involved in local affairs for many years and have seen a variety of proposals offered up by the Council in response to groups of residents who feel that they are suffering more than others with traffic problems such as 'rat running' - which appears to be part of the problem here. Road closure or time based restrictions, of course, works for those directly affected. However the problem merely transfers itself to other areas. It does not solve the problem.
In this particular case, if the plans go ahead. the most directly affected roads in Wimbledon Park Ward are likely to be Leopold Road, Vineyard Hill, Dora Road, Kenilworth Avenue and Strathearn/Home Park Road (already very busy).
You will see from the email content below what WPRA thinks. However it is only our opinion and therefore whatever your opinion of the proposals we urge you to write with your views to the Council (emails below) and also copy rhe WPRA Chairman and your own Councillors who will be happy to receive your views and represent them to the Council.
"Councillor Tony Reiss" <Tony.Reiss@merton.gov.uk>
"Councillor Samantha MacArthur" <Samantha.MacArthur@merton.gov.uk>
"Councillor Jil Hall" <jil.hall@merton.gov.uk>
Your responses should be with the Council officers jayne.rusbatch@merton.gov.uk and Jefferson.nwokeoma@merton.gov.uk by the 15th May
Let us hope that common sense prevails.
WPRA Chairman email to Council officers:
Dear Both
I have recently been made aware of the above proposals by other resident's associations in the area. I cannot understand why our Association and local Councillors were not advised by the Council of these and included in the consultation.
Clearly such a proposal has a direct effect on the roads immediately outside the proposed control area. It seems no serious consideration was given to this.
I and many local residents fail to understand the logic of such proposals that merely switch a current problem for a number of given roads to other roads which suffer exactly the same problem without being able to offer any evidenced information which justifies the decision. Where is the sense in this?
Clearly you have been under pressure for a vocal group who feel they are the only ones suffering from daily heavy traffic and 'rat running'. I do understand the difficulties you face but it is a pity you have only looked at half the problem and felt the need to give in.
The level of modern day traffic is such that it is quite plain that allowing one area to be restricted simply transfers the problem to another. It is a fact of life that we all have to bear our share of the discomfort and there is no magic bullet solution except banning cars altogether. We (I think?) have accepted the idea of restricted traffic around schools at peak times. We all want our children to be safe. However such a plan as is proposed, is entirely inappropriate, only benefits a small group of residents' roads who care not about the effect it will have on others in the surrounding area.
I would hope you will seriously review your decision to go ahead with this proposal and its associated costs.
I understand there is a meeting of stakeholders (RA's) on the 20th May.
I would welcome and invitation to participate and represent the views of our members and residents.
Yours sincerely
Iain Simpson
Chairman
Wimbledon Park Residents' Association
[...address etc]
