TfL: South Circular road could run through car park and new 20mph speed limits

Relocating the South Circular Road through a car park and introducing new 20mph speed limits are among the changes Transport for London (TfL) is planning on making to a south London district.

Residents are being asked to have their say on the proposals, which TfL says are intended to “transform Catford town centre, reducing road danger, and making it easier and safer for people walking, cycling and using the bus in Catford”.

Among the transport body’s plans are removing the one-way system around Plassy Island, putting in a new two-way segregated cycle lane along the new section of Catford Road, new cycle lanes along Rushey Green, new pedestrian crossings by Catford Bridge station, Sangley Road and the junction with Plassy Road, and 20mph speed limits on the stretches of the A205 and A21 within the scheme.

TfL said it is also looking to move the South Circular Road to run through the existing Canadian Avenue car park at Laurence House.

The proposals follow on from TfL’s announcement of its plans to introduce 65km of new 20mph speed limits within Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth, Merton, Bromley and Lambeth, with the aim of lowering speeds on more than 140km of its roads by May 2024 in inner and outer London.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “Enabling more Londoners to walk, cycle and use public transport is at the heart of the mayor’s vision to build a safer, healthier, cleaner and more sustainable London for everyone and we are determined to continue to build on the increase we’ve seen in people choosing more sustainable ways to get around the capital”.

Cllr Louise Krupski, Lewisham Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate action, said the proposals will “have a transformative impact on Catford”, making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.

Cllr Krupski added: “The rerouting of the South Circular will help create a largely car-free town centre and is a vital part of the Council’s ambition to make Catford the greenest town centre in London, as well as supporting our wider vision for regeneration in Catford.”

The consultation into the proposals is open until June 5. Visit TfL’s website for further information and to have your say.