A new residents’ group has launched in Putney to tackle worsening traffic, pollution, and safety concerns, calling on Wandsworth Council and TfL to face up to what they describe as a growing local crisis.
The Putney Action Group (PAG) will hold its first public meeting on Wednesday 16 July at 7pm at Community Church Putney on Werter Road, where organisers will unveil the results of a community traffic survey and begin shaping demands for urgent changes.
The group, which now counts over 100 members, was formed after a recent meeting with MP Fleur Anderson and Cabinet Member for Transport Cllr Jenny Yates, where residents say their concerns about the impact of road layout changes near Putney High Street and Putney Bridge were downplayed or dismissed.
“The issue isn’t just traffic,” co-organiser Mick Stone told Putney.News. “It’s everything that comes with it—rat runs, noise, dangerous driving, pollution you can taste in the air, and residents who feel totally ignored. We’ve had enough. We’re coming together to demand action.”
A call for lived experience and real data
Ahead of the meeting, PAG launched an in-depth local survey to gather evidence from residents, workers, business owners and visitors on what life is really like in Putney in 2025. The questionnaire, open until 31 July, asks about daily travel habits, satisfaction with recent road changes, perceptions of air quality, and interactions with local authorities.
Participants are asked to rate their quality of life, identify health concerns linked to pollution, and say whether they feel safe walking or cycling in Putney. The survey also asks whether air quality data reported by the council matches lived experience—and whether residents avoid certain roads like Putney High Street due to fumes or congestion.
Respondents are invited to describe the changes they want to see, select priority issues for PAG to campaign on—ranging from bus service reliability to pedestrian safety—and state whether they’ve tried to raise concerns with Wandsworth Council, TfL or their MP.
The survey can be completed online here.
“Trapped by congestion”
Members say the new road layouts and traffic light timings introduced in 2024 – meant to improve safety and flow – have instead made a bad situation worse. Side roads including Werter Road, Deodar Road, Chelverton Road, and Oxford Road are now regularly gridlocked, turning quiet residential streets into car parks.
On social media, the group has described “chaos” and “gridlock” across much of Putney, especially during peak hours, with residents reporting they are “trapped in their homes” due to endless traffic.
The group also argues that blaming car use alone is too simplistic, given the long-term closure of Hammersmith Bridge and lack of viable alternatives for many families, disabled residents, and workers.
Their online posts express frustration that council-led changes have failed to address the core problems:
“And after all that money spent on new road layouts and signalling changes in 2024 by Wandsworth Council and TfL—but for what?”
“We’re done sitting quietly. We’re here to push for real solutions—not more costly tweaks that don’t work.”
A wider crisis on the High Street
While traffic was the trigger for forming the group, many members have been active for years on other issues affecting the area, including the decline of Putney High Street, the spread of fast food chains and nail salons, and the loss of independent shops and community feel.
The WhatsApp group that helped launch PAG originally focused on High Street regeneration. But after months of worsening congestion, its focus has broadened to include public health, safety, and the need for joined-up decision-making from the council.
“It’s a privilege to represent the people of Putney,” Stone wrote to members. “I fear no one and will ask the most difficult questions that need answers.”
The meeting on 16 July is open to all residents, with a livestream link to be shared on the day. Organisers say it will be an informal but focused discussion on next steps—and a way to connect frustrated residents who want to shape solutions, not just complain.
A full agenda will be published in the days ahead. The community survey remains open until 31 July, with results set to form the basis for future lobbying efforts.
To follow the group and take part:
- Facebook: Putney Action Group
- Instagram: @putneyactiongroup
- Survey link
