Forum Topic

Gridlock Torture

'Putney’s buses are 41% worse than the rest of Wandsworth – and the data proves the junction is why' PUTNEY NEWSTrue - and all residents will continue to suffer in consequence - Last Saturday I was so bored with being stuck in grid lock on the way back from Barnes I got off the bus at Commondale and walked back to Putney.

Miles Thompson ● 228d12 Comments

Hmm, let's see. At night, the buses along LRR run freely; in the daytime, they are very slow - and "the only variable" in this analysis is ... the junction? Really??? The genius who wrote this tripe somehow, I don't know how, managed to miss the bleeding obvious.In the daytime the roads are clogged up with cars, whereas at night there are many fewer. So what, I wonder, could be holding up the buses during the day? Wait a minute, I think I've got it: it's THE NUMBER OF CARS!!! Wow, who'd a thunk it, eh?

Richard Carter ● 228d

These would be the same vans and cars trying to earn a living, pay taxes and trying to grow the economy.

Robert Wheeler ● 228d

Miles, fully in agreement with you, Saturday, we went to the large Sainsbury's Richmond. Went on the Upper to Sheen at a standstill, cut down Sheen Lane onto the Lower Richmond Rd. Continued to Sainsbury's. Manor Lane is shut also for works, this was causing traffic on Clifford Avenue. I think because of the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, there are so many different numbered buses now going towards Putney Bridge, I don't even know all the numbers or where they came from. Loads of different buses make their way down Mortlake High Street towards Castelnau or Putney.  But Richard needs to get a seat outside Spencer then he will see for himself.

Barbara Stevens ● 228d

I am sorry, Richard, but you are way out of order.As far as I am aware, Saturdays and Sundays are off-peak days.  I wonder why?  We had to go into Putney on Saturday, something we do very rarely, and the traffic was beyond appalling.  Yes, there are many cars but traffic management in Putney is non-existent or could I say insulting?  That wretched junction by Putney Bridge is beyond horrific.We drove back along Lower Richmond Road and I could not believe my eyes, the static traffic went all the way from Putney Bridge to the Spencer Arms. So, while there were many cars - I grant you - none of them were moving - neither were the buses.  Fabulous traffic management, congratulations!

Ivonne Holliday ● 228d

I agree, Ivonne.  I was in Putney Bridge Rd and traffic in that road heading towards the bridge was at a standstill too.

Martine Guy ● 228d

But  Ivonne and Martine, you've demonstrated my point. You wanted to drive in/through Putney, but there was too much traffic (of which you were part) so you were held up.  So what is your solution? Build more road space, how? By knocking down lots of houses? And what will happen then is that that extra space will soon fill up, leaving congestion and more pollution. Somehow, people have to realise that turning London into Los Angeles is no solution; it doesn't work for LA and it won't work here.  New thinking is required, starting with the recognition that the car is the problem, not the solution. What's needed are restrictions on car use (by some form of road pricing to reduce the number at peak periods) and more investment in public transport. But the car lobby will fight tooth and nail against that, so political courage will be needed; I wish I could see it happening. 

Richard Carter ● 228d

I am terribly sorry, Richard, but you have chosen to hear what you wish to hear.No, the solution is not to build more road space but manage traffic properly so it moves!  And if the traffic moves, so do buses that just happen to be part of that traffic too, as are lorries, vans and suprisingly, motorbikes and bicycles also!!!!So, Richard, you say there must be restrictions to car use.  How does that apply to blue badge holders?  Any ideas?  Also, may I repeat myself, Saturdays and Sundays are NOT peak periods!!!!

Ivonne Holliday ● 228d

I was walking along Putney Bridge Rd, Richard, and felt sorry for people stuck in the traffic.

Martine Guy ● 228d

Richard continually tells the same boring story, as he hasn't a solution, only don't have a car. The ridiculous speed of 20 mph and up now Roehampton Lane is also stupid going up a hill. Richard wants the whole roads clear just for cyclists.  No food will be delivered to Supermarkets. No builders fixing your drains and roofs. Putney is a direct route to everywhere and it needs to be moving. We were in the High Street Sunday going towards the hill and out of Disraeli Rd, came a car when he could clearly see the High Street was at a standstill blocked us from going up the hill with 2 traffic light changes, causing traffic to be at a standstill. Another problem is continual road works with nobody working on them.

Barbara Stevens ● 227d

'Putney is a direct route to everywhere and it needs to be moving' -That is the point gentle commentators. As yet Wandsworth Council does not have the answer as to how this may be achieved after their almighty mistake!

Miles Thompson ● 227d

Barbara, I have explained many times - and so many times that I had hoped even you would have been able to grasp it - that I do not want to eliminate cars but to reduce our reliance on them.Have you managed to understand that now?

Richard Carter ● 227d

Mr. Carter, you come out with the same old jargon all the time.

Barbara Stevens ● 227d