Forum Topic

Charlwood Road school street extension stymied - by nimbys and a craven WBC

The existing school street in Charlwood Road, which makes it safer for parents and children at going to/collecting times for Our Lady of Victories and Hotham schools, was due to be extended northwards  to include St Mary's. Sadly, though, that extension has been stymied; I have been told (but would welcome more detail in case I've got anything wrong) that this is as a result of a threat from four lawyers living in that part of Charlwood Road to bring a case against Wandsworth Council who, of course, immediately caved in and scrapped the extension.What on earth is wrong with these people? How can a very brief, 45 minute restriction twice a day (and then only in term time) and which still allows residents and delivery driver to access the street, impinge significantly on the rights of these residents? All it does is to stop through traffic in a very narrow road only whilst children are going to/leaving school, and yet m'learned friends have gone to the trouble of threatening legal proceedings to stop a scheme - which, incidentally, other residents of Charlwood Road seem perfectly happy with.I don't suppose any of them read this site, but if they do, perhaps they would be so kind as to explain their concerns - and I'll be the first to express delight if it turns out I've been misinformed..

Richard Carter ● 1943d7 Comments

if you say so Barbara!BTW I didnt even know about this proposed restriction until Richard posted it on this forum.

Matt Palmer ● 1943d

Matt, just because you have come a cropper on another of your restrictions, don't try and be little me, it just makes you look more stupid.

Barbara Stevens ● 1943d

Get a lot of business people coming round your house do you Barbara?

Matt Palmer ● 1943d

The barrier has been there years now, that stopped the Charlewood Rd residents opposite Hotham with the large drives being able to drive to the Upper Richmond Road. The Barrier had been put there to stop the rat run and I think a child had had an accident. As they own expensive houses they probably don't like being restricted even more. But when people who don't live in the area want to put in all these restrictions what do you expect if you don't live on a daily bases how do you know, probably will have your parcels returned to the depot as cant be delivered or any other reason. Business people driving to your home. It goes on and on.

Barbara Stevens ● 1943d

Thank you for your comment, Martine! BTW, I don't think we disagree that much, do we (at least, I hope not)?

Richard Carter ● 1943d

Gosh I can't remember the length of the current restriction but it was not long enough to include Hotham finishing times which are staggered.Putting that aside the restriction do as far as I understand it are for non-access.So is it how it is being enforced?Now you could argue that people on barriers (with no legal authority but the most excellent of intentions and good hearts and communal spirit (not like me)) asking where you are going is a restriction on those residents who need to justify to strangers that they are driving to their home or visiting someone in the zone.Now it does sound fairly principled and I personally would myself not mind but I do not live there.I think we need to find what the basis for the objection is. My speculation may be completely unfounded.

Ed Robinson ● 1943d

This is a rare occasion, but I agree with Richard.  I live in one of the school streets and this has had no adverse effect on me, my family or those trying to reach my home. I don’t understand why any resident would object?

Martine Guy ● 1943d