Residents in Streatham, south London, have expressed outrage over plans to relocate a pedestrian crossing just 50 yards down the road at a cost of £650,000. Transport for London (TfL) aims to move the crossing from near Woodbourne Avenue to Gracefield Gardens on Streatham High Road, citing safety improvements after 21 collisions at the junction in three years.
Opponents argue the new 'staggered' crossing will not enhance safety, as it will direct pedestrians away from bus stops, encouraging risky behaviour. Local councillor Donna Harris, leader of the Lib Dem opposition on Lambeth Council, said: 'The way the new crossing is to be configured is in a 'staggered' form that will take pedestrians in the opposite direction to the bus stops - so people will continue to take chances to get across for their bus.'
Harris also criticised the cost, noting inflation may have increased the figure since 2022, and suggested the money could be better spent on cycle infrastructure. She added that TfL was attempting to fix a problem it created by removing central barriers on the high street a decade ago, which had aimed to make the area a 'town centre' rather than a 'dual carriageway'.
TfL defended the scheme, stating that a full public consultation had been conducted and all objections 'fully considered and responded to'. A spokesperson said: 'We're determined to reduce danger on roads across London and this scheme at A23 Gracefield Gardens has been carefully designed to tackle the high number of collisions here.'
