Wandsworth Council Takes Action to Improve Traffic Around Putney High Street

Wandsworth Council is addressing ongoing traffic issues around Putney High Street and surrounding roads in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), following monitoring of congestion levels and feedback from local residents.

The council acknowledges that traffic and journey times have been higher than anticipated following recent works aimed at improving pedestrian and cycling safety, and is committed to listening to residents and making necessary improvements.

External factors, particularly the continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge, continue to have a significant impact on traffic in the area. The council is working with local MP Fleur Anderson to lobby the government for a long-term resolution to the bridge closure.

Since the last update, the council and TfL have made adjustments to traffic signal timings at key junctions, including Lower Richmond Road, Putney Bridge Road, and Putney High Street, to improve traffic flow. Additional measures implemented earlier in October increased green light durations for certain turning movements.

Upcoming Measures to Improve Traffic Flow

• Putney Bridge Road to Putney Bridge: Extend green light times to allow turning vehicles to clear the junction more easily. Completion expected by end of October 2025.

• Lower Richmond Road left turn onto the bridge: Extend green light duration. Completion expected November 2025.

• Double yellow lines: Installation on Putney High Street, Lower Richmond Road up to Putney Embankment, and Putney Bridge Road up to Brewhouse Lane. Scheduled for November 2025.

• Bus stop “P” relocation: Temporary stop 40m west of Kenilworth Court to improve westbound traffic flow. Expected completion November 2025.

• Putney High Street lane reassignment: Adjust lanes outside Putney Station to reduce delays caused by stationary buses. Completion December 2025.

• Southbound bus lane suspension: Outside Odeon Cinema to improve exit onto Putney Bridge Road. Completion December 2025.

• High street vehicle passing improvements: Increase space for cars to pass stationary buses outside TK Maxx. Completion January 2026.

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Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport, commented:

“We understand the frustration residents are feeling. We are looking at the whole picture and working with all partners to make things better for residents.“These measures are part of a wider plan to improve traffic flow, reduce delays, and ensure Putney remains a safe and accessible place for everyone.”

The council continues to explore broader layout changes, pending TfL modelling and approval, and has requested a review of bus stop locations and driver changeover points to further ease congestion.

A detailed update on progress and future plans will be presented at the Transport Committee on 20 November 2025.