As part of our goal to improve road safety and encourage safe walking and cycling, we’re introducing some new road closures within the Abbey Road area. The intention is to reduce motorised travel between Merantun Way and Merton High Street. These changes were requested by a number of local residents.
This will mean road closures at the junctions of Pincott Road/High Path and Abbey Road/Station Road. The closures will be non-physical and will be enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Cameras. Access for the emergency services will not be affected, and the existing width restrictions will stay the same. Details of the proposed measure can be seen below.
Consultation process
The proposed measures are being introduced under an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO). This means we can implement the restrictions at the beginning of the consultation period. The advantage of this is that we can assess and monitor the restrictions and its impact, and it allows residents and other road users to experience the restrictions, meaning more informed responses to the consultation.
Therefore, the consultation will open on 14 March 2025 and conclude on 3 October 2025. It’s recommended to wait for 1 month before feeding back to the consultation to allow the changes to bed in. All representations will be considered prior to making a final decision which could include its removal, making it permanent or / and making necessary modifications.
Street notices have been put up in the affected area to inform residents and road users of the restrictions and the statutory consultation.
You are encouraged to use the online survey portal link on Merton Council’s website at: www.merton.gov.uk/lowtraffic
If you do not have access to a computer, you can write directly to Sustainable Transport, Highways & Climate, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX by no later than 3 October 2025, quoting reference – ES/RoadClosure/Abbey2025. It is essential that a full postal address is provided within all representations. Should you wish to submit a petition, please note that although it will be reported, only individual responses/representations will be considered when we make our final decision.
It’s important that you know that this consultation is not a vote or a tick box exercise. We will give weight to the nature and content of your representation and not necessarily the quantity. Your reasons are, therefore, important when making a final decision, whether you’re for or against the changes.
All representations along with Officers’ comments and recommendations will be presented in a report to the Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets. Please note that responses to any representations received will not be made until after the Cabinet Member has made a final decision.