The South Fulham Traffic Scheme, also known in full as the "South Fulham Traffic, Congestion and Pollution Reduction Scheme (TCPR)" was launched in July 2020 by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) and operates by having designated restricted roads which are monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Since its introduction, hundreds of local businesses and residents across Fulham and Chelsea contacted their MP Greg Hands to raise concerns, including many reporting to have received multiple penalty charge notices on one occasion. Greg recognises the difficulties and added congestion this is causing for constituents, particularly with the continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Transport for London (TfL).
Following mounting concerns, Greg organised and chaired a virtual public meeting in November 2020, attended by over 130 local residents and businesses, local Councillors, officials from LBHF, representatives from TfL, and local London Assembly Member, Tony Devenish AM.
The meeting provided local businesses and residents the long overdue opportunity to put their questions and concerns directly to LBHF – who are responsible for introducing and enforcing the scheme – for the first time, in some cases, given the lack of residents’ engagement and consultation ahead of the implementation of the scheme.
On 1 December 2020, Greg submitted a petition to LBHF regarding the scheme which received a staggering 5,539 signatures. A full response from LBHF to the significant petition remains outstanding.
In December 2021, LBHF made the South Fulham Traffic East Scheme permanent. In addition, the Cabinet also approved to expand the scheme to the west of Wandsworth Bridge Road and implemented an experimental traffic order for the South Fulham Traffic West Scheme.
According to LBHF, this trial is expected to begin in the Summer of 2022 following engagement and consultation with residents.
Greg continues to receive a number of emails on this topic, especially on the latest decision, with a varying degree of feeling. Many are firmly opposed, although some do support the scheme, but everyone believes it can be improved.
Greg appreciates the concerns raised and also recognises the benefits. Traffic has been a problem in Fulham for at least the three decades that Greg has lived here.
Given the continued local interest, Greg organised a meeting with the Hammersmith and Fulham Conservative Group of Councillors to discuss the Cabinet’s decision.
Greg and the Conservative Group believe that the scheme needs to be made fairer. There should be a proper traffic consultation across the whole South Fulham area, and the whole community should be consulted. The problem would then be considered as a whole, and a proper consultation carried out before any further decisions are made. This would lead to a South Fulham solution; one that benefits all.
