Accident prevention measures for Redbridge roundabout
The Petition of residents of Ilford North,
Declares that the Petitioners are extremely concerned at the high level of reported accidents (which averages at one accident per week) as well as the potential for more fatal accidents on the Redbridge roundabout (LBR); further that this is a major road junction on the east of London which carries heavy traffic from the M11, North Circular Road and the A12; further that it is reputed to be one of the busiest and most dangerous road junctions in Europe; further that all connecting roads on the gyratory have traffic lights apart from one road, Redbridge Lane East; further that traffic from Redbridge Lane East is unable to safely join this constantly busy roundabout and only two or three cars can enter the roundabout on each cycle of the lights; further that this causes up to 45 minute delays on reaching the roundabout, generates pollution levels above safe limits, causes inconsiderate driving by frustrated drivers and results in stress and anxiety experienced by drivers contemplating taking the high-risk strategy of attempting to get across the roundabout without having an accident; and further that a local petition on this matter in the Ilford North constituency and the surrounding area was signed by 2187 individuals.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to direct Transport for London to install traffic lights at the Redbridge Lane East junction or to at least put measures in place (such as adjusting the existing traffic light timings) so that at least 6 or 8 cars can safely get onto the roundabout on each traffic light cycle.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr Lee Scott, Official Report, 10 February 2015; Vol. 592, c. 748 .]
[P001432]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport:
The Petitioners request that the House of Commons urges the Government to direct Transport for London to install traffic lights at the Redbridge Lane East junction or to at least put measures in place (such as adjusting the existing traffic light timings) so that at least six or eight cars can safely get onto the roundabout on each traffic light cycle.
I recognise the importance of adequate measures to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve road safety. Local highway authorities are responsible for managing the highway network in their area. They have a statutory responsibility to provide appropriate traffic management schemes for their roads and powers (under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984) to take whatever measures they see as appropriate to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve road safety. The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for setting strategy and policy context, and establishing and managing relationships with organisations that are responsible for delivery.
The DfT has published (Local Transport Notes (LTNs)) providing guidance on a variety of traffic management measures including traffic calming, the installation of traffic signals, and signal controlled roundabouts:
LTN 1/07 ‘Traffic calming’
LTN 1/98 ‘The installation of traffic signals and associated equipment’
LTN 1/09 ‘Signal controlled roundabouts’
These publications are available on the Department’s website at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-transport-notes.
In line with the coalition Government’s commitment to localism, Ministers and officials have no remit to intervene in the day-to-day affairs of local authorities except where specific provision has been made in legislation.