On Monday 1st July FM Conway will start work to install a traffic island in Dorset Road, just south of the junction with Sheridan Road.
This may come as a surprise to many of you as the initial consultation was not wide-spread, with notices only going out to those properties who would lose parking bays.
However MPWIR are very much in support of the crossing and we have been pressing for this since last year, in response to residents’ concerns. The traffic island will provide a safer crossing point for pedestrians (including pupils of Rutlish School) between Sheridan Road and the footpath leading to Tramlink. It will also improve sight lines and discipline traffic turning right out of Sheridan Road onto Dorset Road.
In the short term expect severe traffic disruption on Dorset Road between 9.30am and 3pm from Monday 1st July to Friday 5th July (or until the works are completed, if earlier). Temporary traffic lights will operate on Dorset Road. FM Conway (020-8636 8822) can provide up to date information while the work is in progress.
This is good news. Improvements to road safety for pedestrians are always welcome.
Many Merton Park residents and parents at Park Community School, further down Dorset Road, have been trying to engage with Merton Council for over three years about improving the safety for our young children as they cross Dorset Road on their way to school. Merton Council have been silent for over a year on this issue and done virtually nothing to address it.
There have been several serious incidents over recent months involving car crashes and near misses with children. We are fortunate there hasn’t yet been a tragedy.
Would MPWRA be able support us as we try to engage with the council to make improvements to Dorset Road near the school? Please let us know how this might be possible. Looking forward to hearing from you.
With many thanks in advance for your help.
Dear Tim,
Thank you for your comments and feedback. As you know, MPWIR are very aware of your concerns and it was discussed at our last meeting. As this is in progress, I won’t comment any further on here, but rest assured we [your councillors] are looking into it.
Kind Regards,
Cllr Wilkinson