Prioritising Pedestrians at Forest Hill Rail Station

 After many years of campaigning on the issue, the Forest Hill Society is pleased to see that their proposals for prioritising pedestrians at Forest Hill station are being given serious consideration, but it is early days and there are many partners to consult. 

Our proposal is for a temporary closure of the WHSmith side of the station forecourt’s car park, to allow pedestrians a safe access to the station’s entrance, unimpeded by moving or parked vehicles.

If successful, and assuming no possible adverse effect on traffic on the south circular road outside the station, this closure could lead to the permanent removal of car parking on that side of the forecourt next year. This would allow for improved paving and planting, and installation of a drinking water fountain. Keep an eye on those four parking spaces!

In addition to improving the station’s car park, we will continue our campaign for improved pedestrian crossings on both sides of the station: on the South Circular, by making the pedestrian island more safe from vehicular traffic; and on Perry Vale, by improving vehicular sightlines for pedestrians attempting to cross the road. In July, we highlighted the difficulties of social distancing on the pedestrian island on the South Circular outside the station, which prompted Ellie Reeves MP to write to TfL requesting that “works are done as soon as possible to upgrade this crossing”. We wait to hear if any action will now be taken to make this busy crossing safer for pedestrians.

Forest Hill CPZ - Forest Hill Society's Response

The Forest Hill Society welcomes the consultation on a controlled parking zone for the centre of Forest Hill, however, we have no view in favour or against, and we believe it is right for local residents to have their say through this consultation. 

We recognise that there is growing pressure on parking due to the success of a number of attractions in Forest Hill including; the museum, the swimming pool, and the shops in the high street. There are also increasing numbers of commuters going through Forest Hill station, and a small proportion of them will travel to the station by car. This pressure on parking means that it is right for residents to consider a CPZ as an option.

There are a number of points that we wish to make in relation to a CPZ. These points should neither be seen as an endorsement or a rejection of a CPZ, but if there were to be a CPZ we would want it to be right scheme for the area.

Impact on Perry Vale and Honor Oak

If a CPZ is introduced in Forest Hill then consideration should be given to including roads between the railway and Sunderland Road, and between Tyson Road and Honor Oak Park. Because the impact is very predictable, consideration to this area must be done at the time of implementation rather than waiting for complaints for residents.

Length of CPZ Restrictions

If a CPZ were to be created in Forest Hill town centre we would favour limiting residential only parking to one or two hours in the morning, rather than for the whole of the day. This would bring the greatest benefits for users of the high street, the pools, and the library.

Read the full response here.