Road signs for the west and east Greenwich neighbourhood management scheme have been updated to provide greater clarity for residents, businesses, and visitors. Following resident feedback, the new signage includes improved directional warnings and clearer indications of the weekday restrictions, which are in effect from 7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm.
The key changes include the updating of all existing mandatory signs with the 'N1' scheme reference, indicating which permit holders are authorized to travel through restricted areas during the specified hours without incurring a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). In an effort to reduce confusion, the previous inclusion of the blue badge symbol has been removed from the signage, as not all blue badge holders are exempt from the implemented restrictions. Nevertheless, blue badge holders who reside in the borough can apply for an exemption, as can other individuals and organizations meeting specific criteria.
Furthermore, advanced warning camera signs are now situated on the approach to each restriction point, coupled with directional symbols and 'No Motor Vehicle' signage. This redesign aims to offer clearer guidance to both residents and visitors about the limitations in place. Councillor Averil Lekau, the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, emphasized the importance of these adjustments, stating, “These changes demonstrate how we are listening to residents and acting on the feedback they provide us to help make these important improvements. We want to make it cleaner, greener, and safer to move around the borough, and so by improving the signage, we are helping everyone navigate the area safely and confidently.”
The neighbourhood management scheme employs part-time, weekday camera enforcement within the designated times, ensuring drivers are aware of the specific controls. Although Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) previously issued under the scheme remain valid, the recent improvements are intended to enhance the clarity of the guidelines surrounding this scheme.
To engage the community further, the local authorities are urging residents, businesses, and stakeholders in west and east Greenwich to share their feedback throughout the trial. A consultation portal has been established at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greener-safer-greenwich for individuals to express their thoughts and experiences regarding the trial. Additionally, paper consultations are available, which can be collected at West Greenwich or Greenwich Centre libraries or requested by sending an email to [email protected].
Residents can also anticipate upcoming in-person consultation events, where they can meet Council officers to pose questions and provide feedback on the trial. Dates and locations for these sessions will be shared via the Council’s website, consultation portal, and social media channels. Interested parties can register at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greener-safer-greenwich for updates concerning the project and future events.
The areas affected by the N1 Scheme in west Greenwich include the following restriction locations: Crooms Hill (junction with Burney Street) - No motor vehicles; Circus St SE10/Royal Hill SE10 - No motor vehicles; Royal Hill SE10/Royal Pl SE10 - No motor vehicles; Royal Hill SE10/Prior St SE10 - No motor vehicles; Winforton St SE10 / Point Hill SE10 - No motor vehicles; and Maidenstone Hill SE10 / Point Hill SE10 - No motor vehicles.
In East Greenwich, restriction locations include Westcombe Hill SE10/Station Cre SE10 - Bus gate; Halstow Rd SE10/Humber Rd SE10 - No motor vehicles; Vanbrugh Hill SE10/Dinsdale Rd SE10 - Bus gate; Maze Hill SE10/Tom Smith Cl SE10 - No motor vehicles; and St Johns Park SE3/Vangbrugh Park SE3 - No motor vehicles.
The continuous effort to refine the area’s management scheme aims to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents, addressing concerns related to air pollution, traffic congestion, and road safety. “Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our residents is extremely important, which is why we are taking these necessary steps to address air pollution, traffic congestion, and road safety concerns,” Lekau added.
As the trial progresses, community feedback remains invaluable in shaping and improving the scheme's development, ultimately striving for a cleaner and safer environment for all.
