Transport for London (TfL) is due to begin construction work this summer on a major new scheme to make A23 Streatham Hill safer and better for residents and those visiting the area. The scheme, developed in close partnership with Lambeth Council, will create new pedestrian crossings, a protected cycling route and improvements to bus lanes in the area.
Ensuring that everyone can travel safely and sustainably is important to the health and wellbeing of people in neighbourhoods and communities across the capital. This includes being able to access local high streets, shops and other businesses and amenities easily and affordably. Currently, roads in the area do not make it easy or attractive to walk or catch the bus. TfL also needs to protect bus journey times on this important corridor to enable more people to benefit from London’s affordable network of bus services. The scheme will make it easier to cross busy roads, offer protected space for people to cycle and provide continuous bus lanes with fewer obstructions. The work will be undertaken in five main stages and is due to be completed by spring 2027.
The latest collision analysis for the area shows that 72 collisions took place in the 36-month period up to 31 October 2024, resulting in injuries to 75 people. TfL is determined to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network as part of its Vision Zero goal.
TfL held a consultation into its plans for the A23 Streatham Hill, with 70 per cent of respondents stating that the changes would make it easier or safer to walk and 83 per cent saying the same about cycling.
TfL will begin construction work in summer on changes between Sternhold Avenue and Holmewood Road including:
Making walking safer and easier by building two new pedestrian crossings and moving existing crossings to places where people want to cross
New protected cycle lanes to make cycling safer on this important cycling corridor, including over the busy South Circular road
Improvements to bus lanes by removing parking and loading bays, making it easier for buses to travel
Changing some access to local side roads including restrictions and closures. This will improve road safety on the A23 and minimise vehicle movements across the protected cycle lane, reducing danger to people cycling
Making public spaces more attractive for everyone, including by planting new trees and landscaping, as well as sustainable drainage to reduce the risk of flooding
New traffic signals at the Telford Avenue junction, outside Brixton Bus Garage
TfL has planned its construction programme to minimise disruption for local residents and businesses as much as possible, including maintaining traffic flow and avoiding night working where possible. TfL will continue to monitor roads during the works and implement signal strategies to relieve congestion and assist the bus network. TfL will also work closely with bus operators to minimise any impacts on bus services as much as possible and 24/7 bus garage access will be maintained. TfL will be working closely with Lambeth Council to monitor and address any impacts on local side roads and the surrounding road network. Side road closures will be staggered to avoid multiple impacts to residents. All loading and parking will be facilitated on borough roads to prevent additional congestion to the A23. A TfL public liaison officer will also consult with local businesses about bespoke loading arrangements as needed. A comprehensive customer communications campaign will be put in place to ensure customers are aware of these works and their impacts and are equipped with comprehensive travel advice and information. TfL will also be launching a dedicated travel advice page closer to the start of these works.
Julie Lewington, TfL’s Head of Projects and Programmes, said: “Our plans to transform A23 Streatham Hill for everyone who lives in, works in and visits the area will make it easier and safer for people to travel and enable more people to walk and cycle.
“We’re working to minimise the impact of construction work on local residents and people travelling through the area and would like to thank everyone for their patience during this vital project. We are developing comprehensive travel advice around the works which will be communicated to our customers, and we encourage everyone to plan ahead.”
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “We are supporting this Transport for London scheme that will be transformational for Streatham.
“New pedestrian crossings and safe cycling infrastructure, improved bus lanes, extra trees and greenery will be a huge boost to the high street and great benefit for businesses, residents and road users.
“TfL will work to monitor any impact on the local road network and minimise disruptions for residents. We will support them in making sure that happens.”
TfL’s updated Cycling Action Plan 2, published in 2023, highlights the fundamental role cycling plays in making a greener, more progressive, modern city. The plan outlines why it is essential to broaden the appeal of cycling to a more diverse range of Londoners to ensure cycling levels continue to increase at pace and that all Londoners benefit from the health and economic benefits of cycling. TfL’s research shows that people from under-represented groups are open to taking up cycling, but experience different barriers, and the plan outlines ambitious evidence-led measures to support these groups by addressing these barriers.
TfL and London boroughs have more than quadrupled the size of the London-wide strategic cycle network, from 90km in 2016 to more than 400km. Delivering high-quality new Cycleways will support Londoners of all backgrounds and abilities to cycle safely, encouraging greater diversity in cycling.
