Council takes action on Putney roads in next steps to ease traffic congestion

Over the summer, we've been rolling out a series of targeted improvements designed to help keep Putney moving and reduce the congestion. These measures have been shaped by conversations with residents, businesses and community groups, alongside detailed technical council work. 

Widen carriageway

We've been working to improve available road space on Putney High Street by removing the traffic island outside Snappy Snaps, and taking away the redundant BT phone box outside TK Maxx which now allows us to widen the carriageway. We also re-introduced the left turn for cycles without affecting the green-light time for motorists, and improved lane markings by Putney Station to improve the efficiency of the two ahead lanes leaving the High Street. 

Another visible change is the introduction of a trial one-way system on Weiss Road, helping to reduce rat-running and queue-jumping traffic onto Lower Richmond Road. After an initial introductory period we are getting ready to enforce this new signage with CCTV.

Meanwhile, CCTV enforcement is also being introduced on Putney Embankment to support the existing vehicle restrictions and prevent unnecessary through-traffic using this restricted route.

On Putney Bridge Road, further improvements include the removal of temporary cycle lane wands ahead of plans to restore two approach lanes once the current signal works are completed to allow more green-light time for traffic.

Additional highway improvements are planned throughout September, including kerb realignment works and changes aimed at improving traffic flow through key junctions. 

In the meantime, we're continuing discussions with TfL on issues including traffic signal timings and the pedestrian crossing on Putney Bridge that residents have identified as contributing to delays.

'We promised to get changes made'

These changes all form part of a wider programme of measures aimed at easing congestion and improving journey reliability across Putney. While no single intervention will solve traffic issues overnight, together they represent a significant package of improvements that residents asked us to deliver. 

Councillor Nick Austin, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "When residents told us that Putney's traffic problems were affecting their daily lives, we promised to act and get changes made. So, over the summer, we've been getting on with the job by introducing practical measures that will help improve traffic flow, reduce rat-running and aim to make journeys more reliable. 

"We all know that while other bridges across the river are closed, the weight of traffic through Putney has increased, and no one change is going to solve the traffic issues overnight. However we're serious about our promises to people in Putney and this shows we have already started to take swift action. We'll continue working closely with residents, community groups and TfL to identify further improvements and keep this part of our borough moving." 

The council will continue monitoring the impact of each of these changes and bring forward additional improvements to help reduce congestion and improve the every-day experience of life in Putney.

Find out more on our dedicated Putney traffic improvements webpages