Agenda item

Pedestrian crossing over Upper Thames St, Queenhithe

A Member asked why the blocked up pedestrian crossing over Upper Thames St in Queenhithe could not be opened up and used.

The Director of the Built Environment advised that the crossing was privately owned and the owners were intending to have it removed as it was unsafe. The crossing was not a public right of way so the City of London could not influence the decision.

The Member asked if it would be possible to find out who the owners were to discuss the issue and asked for a more detailing response to be provided. He further asked if they could be asked to provide more visible signage that the crossing was out of use.

Traffic Congestion

In response to a question concerning why no notice had been given of the road closure at Holborn Circus on 10 February 2017 which had resulted in serious congestion, the Director of the Built Environment advised that this had been due to a major water leak near electric power cables and a diversion had been put in place within one hour. Both TfL and neighbouring Boroughs had been made aware of the issue, temporary signage put in place, and the incident communicated through social media and the CoL website.

Several Members expressed concern that temporary signage was often inadequate and too close to the incident to enable drivers to avoid it, also social media messages wouldn’t help those driving.

Officers undertook to provide a more detailed report on the issue including an update on the introduction of ‘congestion officers’ and better methods of communication to the public.