Sutton and Cheam MP “relieved” after TfL agree to cancel "traffic chaos" proposal on the A217

Following a concerted campaign from Liberal Democrat Luke Taylor MP, TfL has listened and cancelled deeply unpopular proposals for a new bus priority lane in Sutton.

The proposal, which received widespread negative feedback from residents, would have seen a short bus priority lane run on the southbound side of the A217 Oldfields Road - between Sutton Common Road and Kimpton Way.

In addition to having written to TfL and Mayor Khan to outline their opposition to the proposal, Luke Taylor held a number of constructive meetings with TFL officers - noting that its short length and suggested location would have been unlikely to improve bus journey times. They also noted that making this stretch of road one lane only for non-bus traffic 24/7 would impact deliveries to the Kimpton Estate at peak times.

Responding to the news, Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam Luke Taylor said:

“I am relieved that TfL has taken our comments on board and agreed to stop this unpopular proposal.

“People in Sutton knew that this bus lane could have caused traffic chaos. It is disappointing this project was the best idea TfL could come up with to improve public transport in Sutton.

“This should serve as a wake up call to Sadiq Khan that he should instead invest in the public transport options Sutton actually needs.

“I hope TfL will now consider proper options for our borough - including extending the London Overground, linking us to the Tram network and increasing peak hour capacity so that residents can rely that buses will even turn up, and be able to get a seat, rather than be told that the bus isn’t picking up.”

ENDS