Council sets out action to tackle congestion and get Wandsworth moving again

After a summer of making initial changes and improvements and researching solutions, Wandsworth Council is laying out the latest transport progress and a range of new measures to tackle congestion, reduce disruption from roadworks and improve journeys in the borough.

Lane Rental Scheme

In new efforts to tackle transport challenges across the borough, the council is proposing a new Lane Rental Scheme on our roads, which would help reduce disruption caused by utility company roadworks.

We want to encourage better planning of utility works and reduce the impact of roadworks on traffic, local businesses and residents so under the proposed scheme, utility companies undertaking works on Wandsworth's busiest roads would be incentivised to complete those works more efficiently and minimise disruption. Companies that occupy the highway for longer periods, particularly during peak times, could incur additional charges.

Meanwhile, the council is continuing to invest in maintaining highways and transport infrastructure while working closely with partners including TfL, Network Rail and utility companies to improve public transport, reduce disruption and improve coordination on major works.

'Encourage faster roadworks'

Cllr Nick Austin, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Residents are clear to us that they want to see us take decisive action to reduce congestion and minimise the disruption caused by roadworks, and we are responding to that challenge.

“We’ve developed new proposals for a Lane Rental Scheme which will encourage faster roadworks and we can hold utility companies to account on behalf of residents when works go on too long and cause unnecessary disruption.

“Congestion in the Putney and Albert Bridge areas is rightly causing residents concern and frustration, which we get. These are complex challenges and there is no quick-fix solution, so we’re getting on with a series of road changes and adjustments - as well as pressing TfL to improve junctions and traffic light signals.

“We have to make difficult decisions to keep our borough moving, so will use our resources carefully, continuing long-term investment in the borough’s essential road network while keeping residents updated on how we're doing.”

The council has pledged to do what it can to keep traffic moving, improve the management of roadworks and support a more reliable transport network for residents, businesses and visitors.

Wider transport work under way includes completion soon on essential improvement works to Wandsworth Bridge, action to widen the road to address congestion in Putney, and working closely with TfL to improve traffic management around Albert Bridge which is currently closed.

Finally, the council is planning to introduce a Fair Use Charter for Wandsworth to better manage hire e-bike use and parking which is a cause of regular complaint. The charter will help ensure that services can operate to the benefit of users whilst minimising poor behaviour and harmful impact on other highway users. A dedicated Council enforcement team will be set up to patrol the borough and known hotspots, removing e-bikes causing problems.

Find out more

Read the full Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee agenda

Learn more about the road improvement works in Putney