Croydon Conservatives are calling on the Labour council to urgently get a grip on the congestion chaos surrounding Crystal Palace triangle and South Norwood Hill.
Sylvan Hill, Stambourne Way, Fox Hill and Lancaster Road have all been closed to cars without consultation.
While residents appreciate attempts to improve air quality, this action seems to have done little to further that objective. Instead, congestion is being concentrated on a smaller number of roads, doing little for the air quality or the health of residents.
The increased congestion on Church Road has been damaging for local businesses. At a time when the council should be doing everything in its power to aid small business recovery, this action has risked adding to their struggles.
The build-up of traffic at the Crystal Palace triangle is making life very difficult for commuters that need to get to work. Without action to address it, the situation could be placing jobs and livelihoods at risk. The council must be mindful that public transport is currently not an option for some commuters who are highly vulnerable.
The closure of the Lancaster Road/Southern Avenue junction is causing a build-up of traffic on South Norwood Hill and huge problems for commuters.
In an open letter to the relevant Labour cabinet member, Gareth Streeter, the Conservative Transport spokesperson called upon the council to:
- Urgently review the traffic management around the Crystal Palace triangle and South Norwood Hill.
- Commit publicly that the closure of these roads is temporary.
- Agree to consult on any similar changes across the borough in future.
Cllr Gareth Streeter says, “however well-intentioned a policy, failing to think through the consequences doesn’t do anyone any favours. Had a full consultation taken place many of the problems could have been avoided. Labour need to learn lessons and ensure that residents are listened to.”