Albert Square traffic calming - not so calming for everyone else?

The reaction reproduced below to the Oval Neighbourhood Enhancement Programme has been circulated by Tony Andrews, an Albert Square resident who is concerned about the proposals to introduce some one-way traffic systems into Albert Square and Aldebert Terrace.



I must say, I'm inclined to agree out of self-ineterest because the impact on Tradescant Road and Dorset Road is likely to be adverse.

Moreover, though, I'm disappointed by this initiative because matt mcConnell at TARA has made considerable efforts to get all the RAs in the area to consider the A3/A203/Fentiman triangle as a whole rather than proposing hyper-local solutions which will be to the detriment of nearby streets and this seems something of a kick in the face from Albert Square. Anyway, it seems to have backfired a bit because the western side of the square currently gets very little traffic but under the new scheme would take all of the traffic so you can imagine there is some grumpiness from them.

So here is Tony's assessment:

The Albert Square Traffic Calming proposal will be a major change to traffic in our area if it is selected as an Oval NEP priority. It also affects Wilkinson Street, Aldebert Terrace, St Stephen’s Terrace, Tradescant Road and Walberswick Street.
The recent consultation document and map posted to you by Lambeth Council were not clear and we feared that you would not be able to comment meaningfully on this important traffic proposal. Lambeth Highways team have provided the following clarification. We encourage you to consider it and take part in the consultation. You can see details of this and the other proposals online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/nep
You must comment by Friday 11th October 2013 either by filling in the form already posted to you or online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/nepOvalsurvey
The map below shows how traffic will flow through the Albert Square & St Stephens and the Tradescant areas if this proposal is selected.
All through traffic will have to travel one way (anti-clockwise) around Albert Square. On three sides of the Square residents will have the option to go against this flow for a shorter exit to Clapham Road or Wilkinson Street but no one will be able to enter Aldebert directly from Albert Square. The NW side of Albert Square (Nos 15 to 23) will be one way to all. The No Entry signs shown on the map will enforce this. All the other streets in the area are two-way.
All through traffic entering Albert Square from Clapham Road or from Aldebert Terrace will be diverted along the NW side of the Square.
All through traffic from Clapham Road will have to go down Wilkinson Street and can then turn either way into St Stephen’s Terrace or Bolney Street. It can also cut through to South Lambeth Road via the Tradescant streets. The assumption of the Highways team is that most drivers will turn into St Stephen’s Terrace and then turn right into Aldebert Terrace to get to South Lambeth Road or Thorne Road.
One of the other proposals in the NEP is to make Wilkinson Street, the North East side of Albert Square and the approach road to the Square from Clapham Road into a 10mph Children’s Route extending along Bolney Street, Dorset Road and Meadow Road. You can see this proposal online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/nep
There will be enhanced traffic calming humps in Wilkinson Street and St Stephens Terrace as shown on the map.
We encourage you to comment on this and all the NEP proposals by Friday. If you want only to comment on this please email the Lambeth Highways team. In your email please comment separately on the flow of traffic and on the enhanced traffic calming humps as they do not have to go together.

You can make your views known by writing to habro@lambeth.gov.uk