Camberwell concerns

Camberwell residents have responded in their droves to a wide-ranging public consultation established online by Southwark Council in order to elicit views and concerns on issues related to traffic, walking and cycling in the “North Camberwell Triangle”.

The council defines the triangle as the area between John Ruskin Street, Camberwell Road and Camberwell New Road.

“We think this area has some particular issues with traffic,” the council said when explaining the rationale behind the consultation.

“Lots of motor vehicles travelling from outside the area – ‘through-traffic’ – pass across it, creating unsafe walking and cycling environments for local people. This also contributes to air quality which can impact local people’s health.

“The latest census shows that only around 30% of households in the area actually have access to a car or van. So we are keen to look at ideas that will benefit the health and wellbeing of the majority of local residents.

“There is a high number of road collisions in the area, particularly involving young people, so creating a safer environment is a key priority.

The consultation period began in January and was set to end on 19 February. At the time of writing more than 1,000 responses had been registered via the Commonplace citizen engagement platform website.

The council also hosted an engagement event for the consultation outside the Camberwell Islamic Centre on Camberwell Road and has promised that once it has a “clearer picture of local people’s experiences” it will bring forward proposals for locals to consider.

Between March and June, the council will work on developing proposals based on the feedback it has received. The plans it develops are then expected to be presented to local residents for further consultation and comments from July until September.

Local resident and former SE5 Forum vicechair and board member Will Reeves, who has a wealth of knowledge concerning local transport and environmental issues, told the Camberwell Clarion that he welcomed the consultation and the opportunity for local residents to register their views.

Sub-editor

Jack Aston

Contributors

Lawrence Diamond, Julia Hawkins, Caitlin Otway, Luke G Williams

Marketing and social media

Mark McGinlay

For editorial and advertising enquiries, email camberwellclarion@gmail.com camberwellnews.tumblr.com @camberwellnews @camberwellnews @camberwellnews

“There is a lot of potential in the area to create attractive walking and cycling routes connecting local amenities such as Burgess Park, local shops and community centres to other locations across Lambeth and Southwark.

“There is an opportunity to change the way we use our streets and introduce new public realm features that can encourage stronger communities, physical activity and calmer environments that help to improve physical and mental wellbeing.”

Traffic on Wyndham Road and John Ruskin Street has been particularly severe during morning and afternoon rush hour since the introduction of the controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhood zones (LTNs), the effectiveness and appropriateness of which seems to have bitterly divided local residents.

“The North Camberwell Triangle consultation is a welcome opportunity for residents to shape the future of how the public roads are used and can improve air quality,” he said.

“Since the pandemic traffic has increased on Wyndham Road and John Ruskin Street as a result of various Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in the area.

“There is a lot of potential in the area to create attractive walking and cycling routes connecting local amenities such as Burgess Park, local shops and community centres to other locations across Lambeth and Southwark.

“I look forward to seeing the proposals Southwark put forward, following the consultation, to improve local lives through better streets.”

To find out more about the consultation and read the responses from local residents, visit northcamberwelltriangle.commonplace.is