Next steps to improve Putney traffic management

The council acknowledges that the traffic levels and journey times have been worse than originally predicted following works in the area to improve pedestrian and cycling safety. As a listening council, we are dedicated to ensuring residents are heard and to responding to concerns openly and making improvements.

The traffic challenges in Putney are greatly impacted by external factors, particularly the continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge. The council is working alongside local MP Fleur Anderson to lobby the government for a long-term solution to the bridge’s closure.

Since the last update, the council has been working with TfL to improve the signal timings at key junctions, especially at the Lower Richmond Road, Putney Bridge Road and Putney High Street junctions. Earlier in October, TfL gave more time for green light signals to some of the turning movements in the area in order to improve traffic flow.

The next steps are:

• Give more time to green lights so that vehicles turning from Putney Bridge Road to Putney Bridge can clear the junction more easily during each traffic light phase. This work is scheduled by TfL to complete by the end of October 2025.
• Give vehicles turning left from Lower Richmond Road onto the bridge more time to move through the green light. This work is due to complete by TfL in November 2025.
• Installation of double yellow lines on Putney High Street, Lower Richmond Road up to Putney Embankment and Putney Bridge Road up to Brewhouse Lane in November 2025.
• Trial relocation of bus stop "P" outside Kenilworth Court on Lower Richmond Road. Bus stop “P” will be suspended and a temporary stop located 40m westwards to improve westbound flow and reduce congestion back into the high street. This work is expected to complete in November 2025.
• Reassign lanes on Putney High Street (outside Putney Station) to reduce delays caused by stationary buses. This work is due to complete in December 2025.
• Trial suspension of the southbound bus lane outside the Odeon Cinema to improve southbound flow and exit to Putney Bridge Road. This work is expected to complete in December 2025.
• Improve the amount of space so that vehicles can pass stationary buses on the high street outside TK Maxx. This work is expected to complete in January 2026.

Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We understand the frustration residents are feeling. We are looking at the whole picture and working with all partners to make things better for residents.

“These measures are part of a wider plan to improve traffic flow, reduce delays, and ensure Putney remains a safe and accessible place for everyone.”

The council continues to explore broader layout changes, subject to TfL modelling and approval, and has requested that TfL review bus stop locations and driver changeover points to further ease congestion.

A detailed update will be presented at the Transport Committee on 20 November, outlining progress and future plans.

Improved utility works coordination

Recent gas works and roadworks have added to the traffic in the area. We are working closely with utility companies to ensure essential works are coordinated to minimise disruption. While emergency works may occur outside our control, we remain committed to reducing their impact wherever possible.

Monitoring traffic levels and air quality in the area

Thanks to cleaner buses and vehicles, air quality on Putney High Street has significantly improved and now meets UK air quality standards.

Air quality monitoring is ongoing and additional traffic surveys are being conducted to assess displacement on residential roads. New nitrogen dioxide monitors have been installed on Disraeli Road, Chelverton Road, and Lower Richmond Road.

Residents can access live and historical air quality data via:

London Air Quality Network – for data from our Putney Monitoring station.

Breathe London Communities – for data from our air quality monitoring nodes.

We remain committed to listening and responding to your concerns. For further information or to share feedback, please contact trafficandengineering@wandsworth.gov.uk.