The tram stop at Wimbledon Station will close for three months, whilst work is undertaken on the platform to allow for increased services.

Platform 10 will be expanded to allow two trams to be in the station at any one time – the aim being to enable 12 trams an hour between Wimbledon and Croydon (at the moment there are 8).

Wimbledon tram stop will be closed from July 13 until 16 October while the work takes place, meaning no trams will run from Dundonald Road to Wimbledon.

Extra litter and mess

The works are going to mean large numbers of people walking up and down Hartfield Crescent and other nearby roads to get to and from the tram stop.

Focus Team member Giles Bailey spoke at the Council meeting in July to ask: “Will Merton Council be increasing litter collection along Dundonald Road and Hartfield Crescent as a result of the hundreds of additional expected pedestrians?”

The answer from the Council wasn’t hugely encouraging: “We will ensure that we monitor the situation and take appropriate remedial action to maintain high standards during this period”.

It’s important therefore, that residents report problems – the more complaints, the more likely action will be taken: email the Council on [email protected]

Traffic at junction near Merton Park Tram stop

Traffic jams on Kingston Road at the junction with Hartfield Road by the tram level crossing are a common problem, and have been for years. Sitting traffic increases pollution as well as making getting around difficult (and encourages rat-running through other nearby roads). Increasing the number of trams will potentially make this worse, unless there are improvements to the junction and the traffic light phasing. Originally Transport for London had said they might seek to ban traffic turning left from Hartfield Road (which would have caused other problems). When we pressed them on this, they said they were:

“aware of some of the residents’ concerns with respect to the Kingston Road/Hartfield Road junction and therefore were taking the opportunity of the Wimbledon Line Enhancement Programme to review the junction and how it operates.  A number of designs have been explored to increase the efficiency of the junction but these have also been met with opposition, therefore whilst London Trams and the borough will keep the junction under review, there are currently no plans to make these changes.”

However, inaction on their part seems a poor option! With help from Lib Dem London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon we are seeking a meeting to discuss the issues. Let us know your thoughts.

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