Putney has endured yet another week of gridlock, with buses delayed, cyclists squeezed, pedestrians breathing in fumes, and drivers stuck in endless queues. The problems aren’t new — and we all know what they are.
The Putney Bridge junction redesign miscalculated its impact: instead of easing flows, it has created chaos where no one wins. Hammersmith Bridge remains closed, years after the crisis began, with little sign of progress. The District Line still suffers from outdated signalling caused by a century-old ownership row that should have been resolved long ago. Meanwhile, the High Street continues to struggle under traffic it simply cannot bear.
Despite surveys, petitions, public meetings and promises, little has truly shifted. The council has started a formal process — placing traffic monitors on side roads, hiring consultants to review the junction, and holding monthly meetings with TfL. But if recent history is any guide, this will take years without sustained pressure.
Launching Putney in Motion
That’s why today we’re launching Putney in Motion — a new campaign to keep constant attention on the problems and to coordinate community pressure for solutions.
This isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong. It’s about building momentum and making sure the authorities act faster, more openly, and with the community at the table.
Here’s what we plan to do:
- Track traffic monitors – We’ve already spotted monitors at Disraeli Road, Norroy Road, Chesterton Road, and two on Carlton Drive. We’ll map them, explain what they’re measuring, and make sure the data is processed and released quickly.
- Publish timelines – So everyone can see when reviews are happening, when decisions are due, and where delays creep in.
- Form letters & tools – We’ll create ready-to-use templates residents can send to councillors, TfL and MPs to keep up the pressure.
- Community voice – We’ll ask for your views, share your stories, and publish your best ideas for fixing our traffic.
Possible next steps
We also want to hear from you about what should come next. Two ideas we’re considering:
- Regular updates? – Should we create a dedicated Putney in Motion newsletter to track progress and highlight new opportunities for action?
- Public meeting? – Would you like us to bring residents together with experts and campaigners to set priorities and drive real change?
What do you think? Should we take these forward — and are there other things you’d like to see?
Have your say
You can add your thoughts in the comments below — or, if you’d prefer, send them directly to us through our story form at putney.news/send-your-story-mobile.
Tell us if you’ve seen more traffic monitors, share your ideas for Putney in Motion, or let us know how Putney’s traffic troubles are affecting you.
How you can help
This campaign will only work if it’s powered by residents. Here’s how you can get involved right now:
- Tell us if you’ve seen other traffic monitors in the neighbourhood. We’ll add them to our map.
- Share your ideas – big or small – for what should change.
- Send us your stories about how the traffic is affecting you — from missed buses to unsafe cycling.
A community that keeps moving
They say the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Putney in Motion is about making sure Putney squeaks — constructively, constantly, and together — until we finally get the fixes we need.
So: what do you think? What would you like to see from this campaign? Get in touch — and let’s keep Putney moving.
I cycle the Thames Trail, which I access via Biggs Row, crossing Lower Richmond Road to Glendarvon. Prior to to the junction change I usually waited to cross LRR because the traffic was flowing smoothly. Now I often find vehicles trying to access LRR are queued all the way down Biggs Row and on to Feltham Road. In frustration I have for the first time taken to cycling on the pavement the length of Biggs Row to reach LRR, which I cross easily, as it is at a standstill. I don’t know if the aforementioned roads are being monitored but they certainly should be.