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Multi-Modal Transport Study
In early 2006 the council recognised that the level of development in the Rotherhithe peninsular was going to have a significant impact on transport in the area and beyond and that we needed to understand this impact in more detail. As a result of this we commissioned a study of the area, to look at all modes of transport, as shown in the following figure.
For the first phase of the study we needed to understand how people and goods move in and around the area, so a series of surveys including traffic surveys, attitude surveys and travel surveys were undertaken. This information helped to build a picture of how the area currently operates. The study looked specifically at times when it is most difficult to travel in and around Rotherhithe, the morning and afternoon peak hours.
At the same time a computer model was built and the survey information was used to check the work that had been done to develop the model to make sure it reflected what was happening on a day to day basis. The study looks at a number of indicators of travel including vehicular congestion (queuing distance), degrees of saturation (which is a comparison of how many vehicles want to use a road versus the road capacity), how long it takes to make a trip and passenger congestion on the public transport network.
All this work formed what is known as the base case model (2006). Once we were satisfied that the base case model reflected what was happening we then looked at how the area will change and what the demands on the transport infrastructure will be.
What we know from the base year confirmed what the local community had been telling us for a while; that there is significant congestion in the peak hours, particularly on Lower Road as vehicles try to cross the river via the Rotherhithe tunnel; and that getting on and off the peninsular at this time can be difficult. In terms of public transport, in peak hours it can be difficult to use the Jubilee Line due to overcrowding and in the peak hours buses also experience delays as well as cars.
From this base year, two future scenarios were built. One that looked at traffic patterns in 2012 and the second in 2021. When we looked at these years, we also looked whether specific measures could improve the situation for the area. These are called scenarios (1 and 2).
- Do something (1)
Allow all vehicles to turn right from Lower Road (northbound) to Surrey Quays Road
Ban right turns from Rotherhithe Old Road to Lower Road (southbound) - Do something (2)
Alteration of the highway network to Rotherhithe Old Road/Rotherhithe New Road/Hawkestone Road
Looking at Rotherhithe in 2012 and 2021 there will be more people trying to move in, around and off the peninsular at peak times so in many instances the delays and congestion that many people face today will worsen.
The model provides the council with a tool to look at how further development will impact on the area,. It also allows us to input specific information into the model and see the impacts. For example, we could put another ten buses on a particular route and see if this would help to relieve traffic congestion. The study can also tell us whether if we propose alterations to the highway network, such as banning or opening a turn movement, this will generate rat running and if so to what extent.
So, many people may ask, what happens next? Now we can quantify the problems we can also use the model to determine what are the best solutions. The council does not own or manage any of the public transport network (e.g. tube/rail/buses) and is working with TfL to understand what options are available now and into the future for improving access onto and within the area. In addition to this the council is currently putting together a list of options to be tested within the model to see if it will improve movement.
The options will be included in the issues and options paper for the Canada Water area action plan that will be undergoing public consultation in September to November 2008.
If you have any further questions, or would like any further information please contact Sally Crew on 020 7525 5564.
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