Speed limit could be introduced on Rochester Way Eltham

Greenwich Council’s Highway Committee will hold a meeting on March 8 to discuss traffic calming measures for Rochester Way.

The discussion was decided in response to a petition by residents who were concerned about road safety.

Carl Fleming and Julie Benstead, who have both lived in Rochester Way for more than 20 years each, said it is a “miracle” that crashes are not happening every day.  

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The pair have called for Greenwich Council to “take some responsibility” and to install speed cameras and impose speed limits.

Carl told the News Shopper: “It's a 30 mph road and I'm not exaggerating when I know some people are coming up here at about 80mph. 

“It’s honestly a death trap for the people living here.

“I do fear for my family and other families on this road when someone could be badly hurt or eventually killed.”  

In the last five years ending July 2022, there were nine crashes in Rochester Way between Westmount Road and Crookston Road resulting in 14 casualties, according to a report by Metropolitan Police.

According to the data, 12 of these incidents were classed as slight, two as serious, and one as fatal.

At the junction of Rochester Way and Westmount Road, there were 12 crashes resulting in 16 casualties.

13 crashes were reportedly classed as slight and three as serious also in the last five years ending July 2022.

However, the Road Safety Policy Framework action plan, introduced by Greenwich Council in October 2022, found that Rochester Way is not listed as a priority location to be investigated for measures to reduce road danger.

A final decision on the introduction of a 20mph speed limit will not be made after the meeting.

The Highways Committee is advisory only with recommendations to be reported to the council on March 29.