We, the undersigned, ask Wandsworth Council to remove the Experimental Traffic Order implementation on Mitcham Lane on the grounds that it has made the road less safe.  This is due to cars now speeding and it being more difficult to cross the road due to the removal of the hatched areas in the middle of the road.  Moreover, removal of the right to park outside of resident’s homes is proving to be an issue for guests, deliveries and tradespeople, and those without driveways, with the displaced vehicles causing further issues on adjoining roads.  The elderly and disabled are particularly affected, and we believe the changes to be contrary to the inclusive mobility guidelines.  We also request that the planned introduction of traffic lights at the Southcroft Road roundabout is stopped on the grounds that they simply aren’t necessary, and they will heavily disrupt the lives of people living on nearby roads.

Regardless of whether you are directly affected by the current changes being applied to Mitcham Lane and the surrounding roads, you should consider signing this petition.  The changes are being implemented without proper consultation or proper pause to evaluate the efficacy of those changes.  Moreover, there are no clear measures of success, and no data has been offered to support or deny the merit of the changes.  The lack of proper consultation and an abject lack of interest in any contrary opinions is bordering on undemocratic.  It is time to make a stand.

The experimental traffic order (ETO) that was introduced in April of this year on Mitcham Lane is just not necessary.  There is neither the volume of traffic nor the number of cyclists to justify a cycle lane.  Moreover, the token raised platform has done nothing to stop cars speeding.  In fact, quite the opposite, as the double yellow lines, which prevent cars parking on the road, have removed a natural traffic calming measure.  Despite repeatedly asking what the key metrics of the Experimental Traffic Order are, and even using the Freedom of Information Act to request internal correspondence relating to the decision to implement the ETO, this information has not been provided and attempts to follow up have been ignored.

Whilst ignoring these requests, the council has now decided to move on to the next stage of the changes, introducing traffic lights at the Southcroft Road roundabout, and anyone that attended the “consultation sessions” will know that the decision has already been made.  The council works on the assumption that the measures often aren’t as bad as people expect them to be, but people have jobs, families and other commitments that mean they simply do not have time to campaign against traffic changes, and assuming a lack of response means a lack of interest is deeply concerning.  If you are not affected by the current changes being made, you might be by subsequent traffic orders.

It is time to make a stand and the only way for us to be heard is by raising this petition.