Council bow to public opinion on rat run rules (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Wandsworth council vote against traffic regulations in Earlsfield

8:00am Sunday 27th January 2013 in News By Alexandra Rucki

Councillors have voted against plans to impose a series of traffic regulation measures.

Last year Wandsworth Council unveiled proposals to tackle issues with rush hour traffic and rat running in Earlsfield.

The unpopular proposals included a ban on vehicles turning right from Burntwood Lane into Ellerton Road, Tilehurst Road, Fieldview and Openview from 7am to 10am.

There also would have been a ban on drivers turning left from Magdalen Road into Multon Road, Titchwell Road, Ellerton Road, Tilehurst Road, Fieldview and Openview from 4pm to 8pm.

A consultation document was sent out to 3,000 homes, which provoked an angry response from neighbours.

Councillor Russell King, cabinet member for transport, said: "This was a public consultation that did exactly what it said on the tin. It sought the views of local people and once these had been expressed the council took them fully on board.

"It is quite clear that residents were not in favour of the proposed changes, and as a result the plans have been set aside. This has been a good example of local democracy in action."

Council highway engineers are continuing to explore other solutions to the problems caused by rat running motorists in Ellerton Road, Earlsfield.

The council is also liaising with Transport for London in looking at ways of easing traff in Trinity Road and Burntwood Lane.