Dear  Ms Davis

Re.: Blackheath Road (A2), at the junction with Deals Gateway

Thank you for sending through the videos of cyclists using the Blackheath Road (A2), at the junction with Deals Gateway.

I note the concerns raised regarding cyclists exiting from Deals Gateway, particularly travelling straight ahead into Greenwich High Road. This has arisen from a change in the method of operation of the junction in January 2010, which intended to make the junction more efficient in overall terms. However, this unfortunately has not resulted in a change in behaviour by some drivers in Greenwich High Road who are now required to give way to opposed traffic from Deal’s Gateway, prior to turning right.

As you mention, the stopline on Deals Gateway was relocated approximately 14 metres towards the junction in June 2011, to increase visibility of users in Deal’s Gateway. Furthermore, phase delays have now been introduced into the signal control as of 1st August. This will lead to significant improvement in the operation of the junction. This means that Deals Gateway received a green signal slightly before traffic in Greenwich High Road opposite, to give the cyclists and vehicles a chance to establish themselves in the junction.

It may be worth noting that although Deals Gateway previously received a dedicated green signal (prior to January 2010), this was only during every other cycle of the lights and restricted to a minimum number of seconds when it did receive green. This meant that users in Deals Gateway had to wait approximately 2 and a half minutes between one green signal and the next. The new arrangement results in Deals Gateway receiving a green signal more frequently on every cycle of the lights and for more seconds per cycle than the previous signal arrangement, as it runs in parallel with Greenwich High Road.

In addition to the phase delays being added into the signal control and the work we have carried out so far to relocate the stopline, the junction will be further reviewed to identify if any long-term alterations are required to assist traffic, particularly cyclists, travelling from Deal’s Gateway. We have added this onto our programme of works and accelerated the review so it will take place before the end of the calendar year. We have also brought forward the review for the Deptford Bridge / Brookmill Road / Deptford Church Street junction which I mentioned in my previous letter, so it is possible the reviews may take place simultaneously.

However in the meantime we would be very happy to hear of your views on how you feel both of these junctions could be improved, particularly from a cycling perspective, in preparation for the reviews. Please could you provide your contact details and availability for September & October so a meeting can be arranged.

So what do we think?  We plan to reply and meet them, so if you use this junction and the other junctions in New Cross and Deptford, to which Mr Hopkins, please tell us what you think.