Proposed improvements at the junction of Mile End Road and Burdett Road Response to consultation January 2013

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Contents

Section Page

1 Introduction 3

2 The consultation 4

3 Overview of consultation responses 5

4 Conclusion 8

Appendix A Copy of the consultation leaflet 11

Appendix B Leaflet distribution area 13

Appendix C List of stakeholders consulted 14

Appendix D Response to issues most commonly raised 15

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1 Introduction Transport for London (TfL) has been working with interested parties - including cycling, road user and safety organisations - to review and improve cycling provision at junctions. As part of this work, we have developed proposals to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists at the junction of Mile End Road and Burdett Road. 1.1 What we proposed and why Our review of the current junction layout showed that there is an above average level of collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists coming into conflict with turning vehicles. Our proposed improvements have been designed to address the above issues. They include:

Removal of the slip roads to reduce the potential for conflict between vehicles and cyclists.

Reducing crossing distances and number of crossings for pedestrians

New mandatory cycle lanes on Mile End Road and Grove Road to allow cyclists easier access to the advanced stop line.

Increased cycle parking around the junction.

Wider traffic islands, new trees and levelled footways.

New street lighting system to be combined with traffic signals to create more space on the footway.

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2 The consultation The consultation ran from 12 November to 10 December 2012. It was designed to help TfL understand local and stakeholder opinion about the proposals and to make a better-informed decision. The potential outcomes of the consultation are:

We decide the exercise raises no issues that should prevent us from proceeding with the scheme as originally planned

We modify the scheme in response to issues raised

We abandon the scheme as a result of issues raised

The objectives of the consultation were:

To give stakeholders and the public easily-understandable information about the proposals and allow them to respond

To understand the level of support or opposition towards the proposals

To understand any issues that might affect the proposals of which we were not previously aware

To understand concerns and objections

To allow respondents to make suggestions.

The proposed scheme was also discussed with key stakeholders prior to consultation, as part of TfL’s Better Junctions Design Review and Steering Groups. This report gives TfL’s response to the consultation and summarises the responses. The appendix of this report lists the consultation responses in full. 2.1 Who we consulted

We sent consultation material to households and businesses in the vicinity of the junction (see Appendix B). We also consulted key stakeholders including cycling, road user, safety and other organisations on the Better Junctions Review Group, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London TravelWatch, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members and local interest groups such as Business Improvement Districts. A full list of stakeholder consulted is available as Appendix C. 2.2 Consultation material, distribution and publicity

We produced a letter and diagram explaining the proposals. We distributed this to around 3130 properties in the vicinity of the junction and emailed the letter and diagram to stakeholders. The consultation material was available at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk. We also sent details of the consultation to people who had signed up for Better Junctions email updates on the TfL website. We invited people to respond by using the TfL website, by emailing STEngagement@tfl.gov.uk, or by post.

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3 Overview of consultation responses There were 109 responses to the consultation. 3.1 Consultation results overview

Proposals Supports % Doesn’t support

% Partially support

%

Overall scheme 31 29 15 14 57 52

Removal of the slip roads and extending the footway

62 57 19 17 17 16

Improving the pedestrian crossings

76 70 9 8 9 8

Mandatory cycle lanes on the approaches to the junction

59 54 14 13 23 21

Allowing vehicles to Grove Road and Burdett Road at the same time

46 42 26 24 17 16

Aspirations

Segregated mandatory cycle lanes

24 22

Straight ahead crossings 10 9

Install mandatory cycle lane on Burdett Road

6 6

Provide only two lanes for traffic on approach to the junction

6 6

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3.2 Responses from statutory bodies and other stakeholders The issues raised by the key stakeholders were:

Stakeholder Summary of comments

John Biggs, London Assembly

Generally supportive of scheme but raised some concerns regarding th left turning movement for cyclists.

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Chair, Transport Committee and Leader, London Assembly Liberal Democrat Group

Not in favour of side roads exiting at the same time. Not in favour of removal of the slip roads. Wishes to see fully segregated cycle lanes. In favour of reviewing whether the bridge can be used by cyclists.

London Cycling Campaign

Strongly support the removal of the slip roads on Burdett Road and Grove Road. It also welcomed the mandatory cycle lanes (but requested they be provided on all arms) and improved cycle parking. Objects to the 3 traffic lanes through the junction. Would like to see a maximum of 2. Also object to the proposed staggered crossings on the junction and would prefer to see direct crossings.

Living Streets Wish to see the traffic lanes reduced from 3 through the junction to 2. Also in favour of implementing a diagonal crossing at this location.

London TravelWatch

Welcomed the improvements but wanted to see a direct crossing for pedestrians on all arms of the junction.

Tower Hamlets Green Party

Would like to see completely segregated cycle lanes.

3.3 Issues commonly raised in consultation Support for proposed mandatory cycle lanes 54% of respondents agreed that the proposed mandatory cycle lanes will increase the safety for cyclists using them Support for improving the pedestrian crossings 70% of respondents were in agreement that reducing the crossing distances for pedestrians across the junction would increase safety Support for segregated mandatory cycle lanes 22% of respondents wanted there to be some form of physical separation between the cycle lanes and other road users.

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Request for straight ahead crossings and/or diagonal crossing 9% of respondents requested the pedestrian crossings not be staggered. They also requested that TfL look into installing a diagonal crossing at this location. Request for mandatory cycle lane on Burdett Road 6% of respondents felt that the introduction of a mandatory cycle lane on Burdett Road would be beneficial Reduce lanes approaching the junction from 3 to 2. 6% of respondents felt that a reduction in lanes approaching the junction from 3 to 2 would be of benefit.

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TfL’s response to the issues most commonly raised in consultation is shown in Appendix D.

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4 Conclusion The proposed improvements at the junction of Mile End Road and Burdett Road have been designed to provide improvements for cyclists and vulnerable road users. The design was developed following careful analysis of casualty statistics at the junction and a thorough review of the current physical road layout. TfL has reviewed the results of the consultation and considered the objections raised. Overall the consultation received positive feedback for the introduction of the proposals in their current format and TfL now intends to implement the scheme as originally proposed. TfL has also started planning off-street trials for a range of innovative cycling improvements which would be new features on London’s streets. This includes roundabouts with segregated cycle lanes and dedicated cycle traffic lights. Suggestions made as part of this and other consultations will be passed to the team planning these trials. We’re also in discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) to gain permission for on-street trials of innovative cycling infrastructure.

4.1. Map showing proposed improvements at junction of Mile End Road and Burdett Road

Appendix A –Consultation letter

Ref: A11 ME01 12/11/2012 Dear stakeholder Better Junctions: Proposed improvements at the junction of Mile End Road and Burdett Road Transport for London (TfL) is working with interested parties - including cycling, road user and safety organisations - to review and improve cycling provision at junctions. As part of this work, we have developed proposals to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists at the junction of Mile End Road and Burdett Road. About the proposed changes: Our review of the current junction layout showed that there is an above average level of collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists coming into conflict with turning vehicles. The proposed improvements are shown on the attached plan and include:

Removal of the slip roads to reduce the potential for conflict between vehicles and cyclists.

Reducing crossing distances and number of crossings for pedestrians

New mandatory cycle lanes on Mile End Road and Grove Road to allow cyclists easier access to the advanced stop line.

Increased cycle parking around the junction.

Wider traffic islands, new trees and levelled footways.

New street lighting system to be combined with traffic signals to create more space on the footway.

To incorporate the above benefits, we will also need to change the traffic lights operation to allow vehicles to exit Grove Road and Burdett Road at the same time.

Please see the attached map for further information on our proposals. We plan to begin works in early 2013. How to comment on the proposals: For further information or to let us know your views, please visit our website at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions/mileendburdett. You can also contact TfL’s Consultation Team at the above address or by emailing STengagement@tfl.gov.uk. Please let us know your views by 10 December 2012 About the Better Junctions programme: TfL is making it easier and safer for people to cycle in London. As part of this work, we’re meeting with a number of different organisations to review and improve junctions on the Barclays Cycle Superhighways and the Transport for London Road Network

Consultation Delivery

Surface Transport Planning

Transport for London

11th Floor, Zone G8, Palestra

197 Blackfriars Road

London SE1 8NJ

STEngagement@tfl.gov.uk

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How to comment on the proposals: For further information or to let us know your views, please contact TfL’s Consultation Team at the above address or by emailing STengagement@tfl.gov.uk. You can also respond via our website at http://consultations.tfl.gov.uk. Please let us know your views by 30 November 2012. About the Better Junctions programme: TfL is making it easier and safer for people to cycle in London. As part of this work, we’re meeting with a number of different organisations to review and improve junctions on the Barclays Cycle Superhighways and the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). We’re planning a variety of improvements, ranging from initial upgrades at some locations, to more substantial and innovative redevelopment at others. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions for more information. Yours sincerely Matthew Jarman TfL Consultation Delivery Team

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Appendix B – map of consultation mailout area

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Appendix C – list of stakeholders consulted

Organisations: The AA

The Association of Guide Dogs for the Blind

Age UK London

All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group Secretariat

Association of British Drivers

The Automobile Association

Borough Cycling Officers Group (BCOG)

Brewery Logistics Group

British Motorcycle Federation

Campaign for Better Transport

Children's Society

CTC

Cycling Embassy of Great Britain

Department for Transport

East London Business Alliance

Freight Transport Association *

Future Inclusion

Greater London Authority

Guide Dogs Association

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Heart of London Business Alliance

Institute of Advanced Motorists *

IDAG

Living Streets *

London Ambulance Service

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

London Councils

London Cycling Campaign *

London Fire Brigade

London TravelWatch

LoTAG

LPHCA

LTDA

Metropolitan Police Service *

Motorcycle Action Group

National Motorcycle Council

Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS)

Queen Mary Cyclists

Roadpeace *

Road Haulage Association

RAC Foundation for Motoring

RNIB

RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People)

RMT London Taxi branch

Sustrans *

Members of Parliament:

Jim Fitzpatrick MP

London Assembly members:

Darren Johnson AM

Kit Malthouse AM

Caroline Pigeon AM

Valerie Shawcross AM

Richard Tracey AM

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Transport for All

Tower Hamlets Wheelers

* Better Junctions Design Review Group and/or Steering Group

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Appendix D – TfL’s response to issues most commonly raised TfL response to comments received on proposals at junction of Mile End road and Burdett Road. Response to comments relating to TfL’s proposed measures: Request for segregated cycle lanes 22% of respondents wanted there to be some form of physical separation between the cycle lanes and other road users. TfL looked closely at implementing segregated cycle lanes at this location. However, we concluded that providing wider mandatory lanes would make better use of the limited space available at the junction compared to introducing isolated sections of segregation. The proposed extension of Barclays Cycle Superhighway Route 2 includes long sections of continuous segregated cycle lanes. TfL will continue to consider similar facilities in suitable locations. TfL is also conducting off-street trials of a range of innovative cycle infrastructure as part of the Better Junctions programme. Request for straight ahead crossings and/or diagonal crossing 9% of respondents requested that the crossings at the junction not be staggered and that TfL look into installing a diagonal crossing at this location. TfL did initially consider both of these requests during the design of the scheme. However, straight ahead crossings would have had too detrimental an impact on the length of traffic queues at this location. A diagonal crossing was also considered but the distance was considered too far with the potential to put pedestrians in a dangerous position should they choose to cross when the green man isn’t displayed. Request for mandatory cycle lane on Burdett Road 6% of respondents wished to see a mandatory cycle lane on Burdett Road. However, the carriageway width available on this approach does not permit the introduction of a cycle lane without significantly reducing the width of the central pedestrian island. Given the high pedestrian flows across this arm compared to the relatively low cycle flows using this approach, we concluded that the safety benefits of providing a wider pedestrian island should be given priority. Request to reduce the number of lanes into the junction from 3 to 2. 6% of respondents wished to see the number of lanes entering the junction reduced from 3 to 2. Reducing the lanes on the side roads from 3 to 2 would have a significant impact on capacity

at the junction. Even taking into consideration the introduction of the new method of control, the queues at the junction are still expected to be longer than they are at present.