UPDATE 24 April 2024:
I have received an additional update today from Transport for London (TfL) who are working closely with Croydon Council to address and resolve the issue regarding the bus route as soon as possible. The current focus shifts to Croydon's Highways and Parking team, who are now responsible for implementing parking controls on the pertinent section of Wattendon Road to sort out the driver sight lines safety concerns. Regarding timelines, it is anticipated that the resolution process may extend until mid to late summer of this year, contingent upon the completion of consultation processes and necessary approvals.
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UPDATE 21 April 2024:
Following my enquiry to TfL about the response to the FoI mentioned below, I received the following information on Wednesday from TfL:
Cllr Gander – I’m told that the only issue that needs to be resolved before the service is introduced are the sightlines on Wattendon Road. We are working with Croydon on this and I’ll be in touch again as soon as we have a better idea of the timescales for completing the necessary work.
Whilst it’s very frustrating that this issue is preventing the implementation of the planned bus route, it is good to have confirmation that there are no additional interventions needed.
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UPDATE 7th April 2024:
I share the frustration caused by the delay in implementing this route and have been actively engaging with both TfL and Croydon Council to facilitate close collaboration to expedite its implementation. TfL have informed Kenley Councillors and KENDRA, the residents association that addressing safety concerns, particularly on Wattendon Road, is paramount for the successful rollout of the bus route.
TfL has informed us that during the original route test, no issues were identified. However, upon re-testing the route just before its introduction, multiple vehicles were found parked on the bends of the road. This test drive was on 28th March, and it showed an “unacceptable” safety risk as drivers would be required to manoeuvre to the centre of the carriageway to pass the parked cars, with limited visibility of oncoming traffic around the bend.
TfL confirm that they are collaborating with Croydon to address these safety concerns and ensure the route is implemented as planned at the earliest opportunity.
Additionally, following a Freedom of Information request from a resident, it has come to our attention that besides the safety concerns on Wattendon Road, other issues have been raised along other parts of the route. These additional safety concerns have not been communicated to Councillors or to KENDRA, the Residents Association. We will be seeking a response from TfL regarding these additional concerns.
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New and changed bus routes have been advertised by Transport for London which affect routes through Kenley.
In this announcement, we had fully expected to see included the new bus route which was due to serve the top of Kenley, via Higher Drive, Cullesden Road, Firs Road, Wattendon Road and back down the hill via park Road.
This route is one that KENDRA, residents, Neil Garratt - our GLA Assembly Member and Kenley & Purley Councillors have been working towards for several years and so were deeply disappointed that it had seemingly been sidelined.
Following the publication of the changes earlier this week with the omission of the Higher Drive route for the 434, together with Neil Garratt, we immediately spoke to Tf to ask for an explanation.. We have subsequently been informed that the 434 will indeed be serving Higher Drive as soon as possible. The delay is due to line of sight issues which are being addressed.
TfL have said: “We will keep you updated with progress to implementing the full route – as consulted on – to improve connectivity for your residents at the top of Kenley. We are also updating the TfL website to make it clear that this is a temporary arrangement until the full change can be implemented."
We will continue to communicate with TfL on an implementation date. We know that the delay is frustrating.