Putney Bridge junction changes and improvement works

This page provides information and background about the changes made to the junction at Putney Bridge in late 2024. It will give regular updates on actions we are taking with TfL to improve the operation of the junction and reduce congestion.

2024 works

From September to December 2024, work was carried out by the Council on Putney Bridge junction to introduce new safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians at Putney Bridge and at the junction with Putney Bridge Road. These upgrades were designed to make it easier and safer to walk and cycle across the bridge, while maintaining traffic flows for cars, motorbikes, and buses. The upgrades to the junction and road included installing a new cycle lane, providing more direct crossing points with larger pedestrian islands, and upgrading traffic signals.

The changes were made following a lengthy design and modelling process and approval from Transport for London (TfL), which is responsible for all signalised junctions in London. The junction changes were the final part of a wider scheme to improve Putney High Street, which started in 2017.

Local stakeholders and councillors wanted changes to the junction because there were many complaints about it from Putney stakeholders and residents, as it was difficult for pedestrians to cross and cyclists were unprotected from traffic.

2025 review

We commissioned a detailed post-implementation review of the junction changes in mid-2025. This found that there has been a significant increase in the total number of pedestrians crossing the junction since 2021, when the scheme was designed. There has also been a significant reduction in pedestrians crossing on red pedestrian signals, which will contribute to road safety. This improved compliance is likely to be due to the larger refuge islands for pedestrians at the junction, and the shorter waiting times and journey times for pedestrians to cross. The number of cyclists using the junction has also increased compared to 2021.

However, the changes to the junction have resulted in unexpected congestion, particularly on Putney Bridge Road and Lower Richmond Road. We have been extremely concerned about this and have been working to improve the operation of the junction and to address traffic issues on surrounding roads, in partnership with TfL.

As a listening council, we are dedicated to ensuring residents are heard, responding to concerns openly and making improvements, and we would like to thank all residents who have taken the time to get in touch about the operation of the junction. We will keep you updated on changes we are making through this page, and through social media and letters to residents in the area.

You can find detailed information and further background on the scheme in the paper presented to the Council’s Transport Overview Scrutiny Committee on 20 November 2025.

Actions to improve the operation of the junction

Since the installation of the new junction layout, given concerns over congestion and the operation of the junction, we have been making changes on site to try to improve traffic flows. These were initially more modest changes that did not require approval from TfL, while reviews of the scheme were progressed. More significant changes have since been made and further changes are planned, all of which require the approval of TfL. These changes were communicated to residents in letters in early August and late October and are set out below.

The changes so far are as follows:

• Updated lane layout on Putney High Street and Lower Richmond Road to encourage the use of two lanes of traffic, which in turn helps traffic exiting Putney Bridge Road and Lower Richmond Road, in December 2024
• Lining amended to increase space on the Lower Richmond Road approach to Putney Bridge to reduce the impact of stationary buses, in March 2025
• Increased enforcement action by our traffic wardens to stop unauthorised loading on Putney High Street that blocks traffic, in April 2025
• Extended bus lane hours on Putney Bridge Road (from Mon-Sat 7 to 10am and 4 to 7pm to Mon-Sun 7am to 7pm), in April 2025
• Two lanes installed on Lower Richmond Road approach from the Star and Garter to The Thai Square, in August 2025
• Motorcycles permitted to use bus lanes on Putney Bridge, in October 2025
• Amended signal timings to create extra space on Putney High Street between Putney Bridge Road and Lower Richmond Road to allow more vehicles from Putney Bridge Road to join Putney High Street, in early October 2025
• Additional green time for vehicles turning from Putney Bridge Road to Putney High Street to allow vehicles to clear the junction more easily during each traffic light phase, in early October 2025
• Additional green time for vehicles turning left from Lower Richmond Road onto Putney Bridge, so they have more time to move through the green light, in early October 2025
• Trial relocation of bus stop P outside Kenilworth Court on Lower Richmond Road. Bus stop P has now been suspended and a temporary stop located 40m westwards to improve westbound flow and reduce congestion back into the High Street, in late October 2025
• New configuration which allows for more green time for both Lower Richmond Road and Putney Bridge Road, in late October 2025
• Trial suspension of the southbound bus lane outside the Odeon Cinema to improve southbound flow and exit to Putney Bridge Road, in November 2025

Next steps

These further changes are currently planned:

• Reassign lanes on Putney High Street (outside Putney Station) to reduce delays caused by stationary buses. This work is due to complete in December 2025
• Installation of double yellow lines on Putney High Street, Lower Richmond Road up to Putney Embankment and Putney Bridge Road up to Brewhouse Lane to prevent parking/obstruction. This work is expected to complete in December 2025
• Improve the amount of space so that vehicles can pass stationary buses on the High Street outside TK Maxx by realigning the kerb on the opposite side of the road. This work is expected to complete in January 2026
• Suspension of the permitted cyclists' left turn onto Putney High Street from Putney Bridge Road, as usage of this is low while it has reduced green time for vehicles turning from Putney Bridge Road onto the High Street. This work is expected to complete in February 2026

Further work is also underway covering a broad range of wider layout changes to improve traffic flow and efficiency. Implementation will be dependent on the outcome of traffic modelling and approval by TfL. We will provide updates here as this work progresses.

We are also continuing to monitor traffic levels and congestion on side roads off Putney Bridge Road, Lower Richmond Road and Putney High Street, and continue to assess possible interventions to reduce traffic using side roads.

Other factors influencing traffic in Putney

The traffic challenges in Putney are impacted by external factors, particularly the continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge. We are working alongside local MP Fleur Anderson to lobby the government for a long-term solution to the bridge’s closure.

Improved coordination of utility works

Recent gas works and roadworks have added to the traffic in the area.

We are working closely with utility companies to ensure essential works are coordinated to minimise disruption. While emergency works may occur outside our control, we remain committed to reducing their impact wherever possible.

Monitoring air quality

Thanks to cleaner buses and vehicles, air quality on and around Putney High Street has significantly improved and now meets UK air quality standards. 

Air quality monitoring locations

We have a robust and comprehensive air quality monitoring network, with 11 air quality monitoring locations on and around Putney High Street. We are also supporting work by the Putney Society to monitor air quality and have supplied air quality monitoring equipment for this work.

New nitrogen dioxide monitors have been installed in 2025 on Disraeli Road, Chelverton Road, Putney Bridge Road and Lower Richmond Road, in response to residents’ concerns about traffic on these roads.

View air quality data

Residents can access live and historical air quality data via: 

• London Air Quality Network – for data from our Putney Monitoring station
• Breathe London Communities – for data from our air quality monitoring nodes
• Annual Status Reports (ASR)

Get in touch

We remain committed to listening and responding to your concerns.

For further information or to share feedback, please contact trafficandengineering@wandsworth.gov.uk.