Walk Elephant - Hampton and Steedman Street Improvements

Overview

Walk Elephant is a community initiative to improve walking routes across the Elephant and Castle. In July 2017 we wrote to local people asking for feedback on our initial proposals for highway improvement works to Hampton Street and Steedman Street.

We have since taken on board your suggestions, as well as taking a look at the ways that local businesses interact with the highway. As a result, the majority of work has shifted from Hampton Street into Steedman Street. This will complement the future changes to Heygate Street, as well as improving the link through to the Newington Estate.

This is your chance to respond formally to the proposals that we have developed in response to your ideas and concerns. The consultation period will run until Sunday 18th February.

What are the benefits of the proposed street layout?

• Wider, continuous, footways - multiple vehicle accesses along this stretch of road will be reconstructed to give priority to pedestrians and provide a more level surface.
• Improved accessibility – new tactile paving and raised features will make crossing easier, especially for those with buggies and in wheelchairs, and visually impaired road users
• Slower vehicle speeds – speeds are generally already low. The new raised features will ensure they stay low.
• Less street clutter – bollards and redundant signs detract from the overall feel of the street. These will be removed where possible.
• New street trees – new street trees will be planted where there is sufficient space in the footway to provide adequate soil.

Are there any drawbacks with the proposals?

A side effect of widening the footways means that the feeder lane to the Advanced Stop Line on Steedman Street has to be removed. However, given the relatively low levels of motor vehicle use and the affected arm of the junction having its own phase, we think that cyclists should not be disproportionately affected – there will not be any oncoming vehicles upon entering the junction.

We originally looked at widening the footways on Hampton Street, as well. The existing use of the kerbside by local businesses located along this stretch meant that this was likely to cause disruption. Instead, the funding will be used to improve the footways on Steedman Street, as described above.

Why your views matter

We want to make sure the street improvements we install are the best they can be for everyone who uses Hampton Street and Steedman Street. Please take a look at the plans attached, and give us your feedback using the consultation link.

What happens next

The Council will analyse responses to this consultation and publish the results on our website. The final decision to implement the proposals will be taken by the Cabinet Member for Environment and the Public Realm.