Transport for London (TfL) is looking to catch one of South London’s busiest and most problematic routes, the A232, after times of frustration from motorists, cyclists, and machine passengers.
The road, which runs between Sandilands in Croydon and West Wickham in Bromley, has been given for its slow-moving motorcars by day and presto, frequently reckless, driving by night.
Over three times, 63 collisions were recorded along this stretch, with nine resulting in serious injuries. TfL says this disquieting record has made the area a precedent for safety advancements and changes to encourage further walking, cycling, and public transport use.
Buses ‘Crawling’ in Congestion
The A232 is a crucial red route carrying 11 different machine services, including the busy Superloop SL5, but frequent logjams have made public transport slow and unreliable.
TfL says this has discouraged people from choosing motorcars for original passages, particularly during rush hour.
To help attack the issue, the transport authority has invited 24 original residents to take part in an evening factory this January.
Each party will admit a£ 150 testimonial for their time and input. The end is to gather real feedback on how to make the road safer, greener, and more effective for everyone.
Focus on Safety and Active Travel
TfL’s wider vision is to make 80 per cent of London journeys by walking, cycling or public transport by 2041, while reducing deaths and serious injuries on the capital’s roads to zero. Improving the A232, they say, is a step in that direction.
Addiscombe West Labour councillor Sean Fitzsimons has welcomed the plan, saying the road “has plenty of space to make improvements without reducing the volume of cars using it.”
Speaking as a regular cyclist, Cllr Fitzsimons described the route as unsafe, especially after dark. “The presence of speed cameras shows that speeding is an issue that needs addressing,” he said.
He believes redesigning the road could make space for a separate cycle lane and create a safer, more pleasant environment for pedestrians and bus users alike.
He added: “A rethink of how the road is designed could be a win-win for pedestrians and road users.”
Concerns from Bromley Council
Not everyone is on board with TfL’s approach. Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways and Road Safety, criticised the plans, warning that TfL might introduce “24-hour bus lanes, 20mph limits, and so-called ‘low traffic neighbourhoods’,” which he believes could slow traffic to a standstill.
“Traffic speeds in central London are now slower than in horse-bus days,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“Bromley Council recognises that the private car is essential for many residents and that free-flowing roads are vital to the lifeblood of the economy.”
Cllr Bennett added that Bromley’s approach focuses on “engineer-led remodelling” of accident blackspots rather than blanket restrictions, pointing to improvements on Southend Road and Beckenham’s Chinese Roundabout as examples.
TfL Wants Local Voices Heard
TfL insists this stage of the project is not a formal consultation but an early engagement effort to shape future proposals.
A spokesperson said: “Keeping everyone travelling in the capital safely and efficiently is our top priority, and we want to hear from local people to help shape our plans at an early stage.”
Residents can express interest in joining the January workshop through TfL’s website. Those named will receive an information pack and be asked to partake in gestures from their original peregrinations.
There’s also an online community chart where anyone can leave commentary or suggest advancements for specific locales along the A232.
TfL says it’s especially keen to hear from women, young people, aged residents, impaired Londoners, and those from ethnical minority communities to ensure the design reflects a wide range of guests.
With the future of the A232 under review, it’s clear that balancing smoother business inflow with safer, greener trip options will be no easy task.
But for numerous locals who rely on motorcars, bikes, or simply crossing the road safely, TfL’s sweats could mark the launch of meaningful change.
