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Today we’re going to have a look at some of the older, established Low Traffic Neighbourhood areas in Oval triangle. Without the restrictions it would be a horrible rat run to avoid bits of the Vauxhall one way system - just like Fentiman Road.
But Vauxhall Grove and Langley Lane were made one way and the junction with Harleyford Road exit only (except cycles). When residents leave arrive or leave by car they have to go the ‘long way round’.
And look at the benefits. Parking was removed and sections of the road used to create, now mature, planting (you can see the old kerblines are still there). There is a real sense of community and people care about their streets - look at all pots outside peoples houses.
Without through traffic the cafe and shop have become a destinations where people linger and chat.
But surely this must be inconvenient? They have to drive the long way around for some trips which much add some minutes to their trip. Surely there must be a big campaign to let through traffic through ‘to relieve congestion on Harleyford Road’. No? Really?
What about the Ashmole Estate? Here access to Harleyford Road has been cut to motor traffic completely. To get to the shops at the end of Durham Street they have to leave via Fentiman Road and go all round the gyratory.
Even worse - one side of the estate is completely cut off from the other. To get to the Ashmole Stores the residents of Ebbisham Drive would have to leave via Lawn Lane and come all the way back thru Fentiman Road. (that's another parking place next the the 4x4 with double kerb)
But the estate roads are lovely and quiet and there’s a playground for kids, and a table for adults.
Surely there must be an ongoing campaign to allow through traffic through the estate so they can get onto Harleyford without driving in the opposite direction first, and so they can all drive to the shop by the shortest route? No?
