Southwark Council has held conciliatory talks with Bellenden Road residents who last week said the new cycle-friendly road layout would be “dangerous” and “a nightmare”.
Ongoing roadworks currently block Bellenden Road in Peckham, while the pavement-widening scheme takes shape.
The worst fears were raised by Aubyn Graham, manager of the Elim House Day Centre for elderly and disabled people. Its buses transport wheelchair-bound people every morning and evening.
Neighbours and Aubyn jointly contacted the News when they saw the redesign would mean them losing their car parking, and reduce the one-way street to only being wide enough for one car.
At the meeting on November 10, a council officer agreed to review the layout if problems arise.
It was agreed that the end of Bellenden Road will not be blocked at the junction with Highshore Road, and Elim House’s buses will be permitted to take elderly residents to the centre, but not park in the street. The nearest available parking for residents will be 20 to 30 metres away.
Southwark also promised to liaise with police, fire brigade and ambulance services, which are known for driving the wrong way up the one-way system.
Councillor Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for environment and public realm, said: “I’m pleased officers were able to meet with the Bellenden Road residents last week. Thankfully, we now have a clearer understanding of the concerns held by residents and will be feeding their comment into our plans. Similarly, the local residents now have a better understanding of the challenges we face in balancing the needs of all road users.”
Before the works began, the council said it held public meetings and distributed 1,609 leaflets about the plans, and received 200 responses.