Local Safety Scheme – Fortess Road
This scheme follows a number of collisions over the last three years, six of which involved cyclists (one serious). The council proposes various measures including:
- Pavement widening on both sides of Fortess Road at its junction with Fortess Walk; and by other junctions and crossovers. Double yellow lines near to junctions.
- Removing some the traffic islands.
- Two new signalised pedestrian crossings outside Nos. 35-37 (with repositioning of bus stop) and outside No. 139
- New pedestrian refuge outside No. 73
Click here to see the consultation leaflet
CCC’s Response
CCC are pleased that Camden have recognised the dangers on this road and are taking steps to improve the situation. One measure that is not mentioned but that would have a substantive effect on traffic speed is the introduction of a camera-enforced 20 mph speed limit, and we request that officers consider this in addition to the other measures listed.
Work on main roads should normally include consideration of Advanced Stop Lines at signalised junctions, and we request that these be considered for each end of Fortess Road.
We have specific comments about the measures suggested and these are listed below:
Proposal A: Pavement build outs at Fortess Walk. We support this effort to improve sight lines and hence safety for cyclists emerging onto Fortess Road. Additionally a raised entry treatment would reduce the speed of joining traffic and make it safer for both cyclists and pedestrians. The other roads entering Fortess Road (Lady Somerset Road and Raveley Street) already have entry treatments.
Proposal B: Remove the restriction on traffic in the southbound bus lane on Saturdays. CCC strongly opposes this proposal. Bus lanes provide one of the safest environments for cyclists and hours of operation should be extended, not reduced.
Proposal C: Remove central islands. CCC supports this, as, though they may appear to slow traffic, the effect is to cause cars to swerve towards the nearside, with potential serious conflict with cyclists especially when they are near to parked cars.
Proposal D: Pavement widening, addition of pedestrian crossing. CCC has no objection to this proposal.
Proposal E: Change of use to shared parking bays. CCC has no objection to this proposal.
Proposal F: New pedestrian island outside number 73. This proposed island seems to be too close to the shared use parking area. While not objecting in principle, CCC requests that either the parking area or the refuge be moved to avoid the possibility of cyclists being trapped between moving and parked vehicles.
Proposal G: New bus-stop near Sainsbury’s. CCC has no objection to this proposal.
Proposal I: Move bus stop, provide new pedestrian crossing near number 139. CCC has no objection to this proposal.
CCC also approves of the addition of double yellow lines near junctions.
John Chamberlain
CCC
18th December 2006
