Brian Tee

My recent drive also revealed a network of traffic monitors in the general area. So there's something afoot!

I have to say that I am astonished (and somewhat pleased) that my original 'rant' has produced such a lively and meaningful debate. Now the humps and raised junctions are in, and, so far, there has been no noticeable difference in the volume or speed of the traffic that uses Scutari Road to avoid the traffic lights at the Colyton/Forest Hill Junction. I also have to say that I find the new bumps quite acceptable, despite having a very stiff-sprung car with low ground clearance, for which speed cushions are far more of a hazard to sump plug/low bodywork. So we will have to wait and see what happens as the bumps are installed into Marmora Road, and also see how the revised traffic management at the Colyton/Forest Hill junction affects use of this cut-through. I do recall Councillor Renata's visit and questions relating to the Colyton/Forest Hill junction, and can therefore vouch for her keen involvement in getting the more concerningly hazardous Forest Hill Road sorted out. There is now a traffic monitor on Forest Hill Road in place, opposite the Co-op, which I assume is measuring the volume and speed of traffic. I'm afraid I do still hold the view that the installation of the speed bumps on Scutari(and the even more ridiculous additional recent bump, that means there are now 3 within the space of just 80 yards!!) is a needless waste of a huge amount of Council money that could have been better spent on more urgent traffic management schemes in the area. What's done is now done, and we can only wait and see what the outcomes (if any) are.

I have noticed at the bottom of Barry Road (the most inviting 'drag run' in East Dulwich for hooligan motorists) a couple of blue signs asking drivers to drive with respect to the residential nature of the road. There are a couple of junction humps at the top of Barry Road, and we know it is crossed by small kids attending the many schools (Goodrich, Heber), yet there are no other measures in place. I quite prefer this, or even simple speed signs, to remind motorists that they are in a 20mph restricted area, than the speed humps that cause additional noise and more erratic driving than a smooth clearway. I have to also say that Renata's post included the following: 'There was a consultation during the last half of August as it whether the speed cushions (there prior to the resurfacing)should be replaced by humps and raised tables be put at the junctions.' This does not suggest that additional humps would be put in on the lower part of Scutari Road (where everyone lives) which was where humps were previously opposed by the residents, which is what has happened - hence my original outrage. I would also like to ask how many responses to the consultation were received, as it is more than likely just a handful. 7 responses would give a 14%/86% spread. Such a low response from a larger population would, in any statistical study, be considered worthless, and disregarded. It may seem like a 'rat run' to newer residents, but believe me this is nothing compared to the chaos that we endured when the major works were carried out at the Reservoir behind Homestall Road, and we had heavy lorries and traffic avoiding the building congestion all using the road. The humps and raised junctions are all now in place, so I suppose we will have to do as Renata suggests, and just see how much difference they make. If there is an accident now that they are installed, will that be considered good enough reason to remove them?

Nice, but it doesn't solve the unnecessary work currently happening right outside my front door!!!

Thanks for that James. Curiouser and curiouser....

Matter of Highway code 'correctness, here Henry. If you are turning right on a boxed section, you are completely entitled to enter it and wait for an opportunity to turn. It should only be kept clear for traffic travelling straight across. Just goes to show how cyclists aren't up to the mark when it comes to following the rules of the road. Get a coppy of the highway code, and abide by it. Even if you do that, as a cyclist, you are still vulnerable - especially if you wear dull clothing/ride in an inappropriate position/don't use lights/ignore traffic lights/pedestrian crossings etc. As stated on another thread, I was a victim of a glancing side collision with a car in central London while wearing bright racing gear, and turning in a correct manner into a one way feed that left me with a severe head injury, as it planted me straight into the back of a parked car. I was not in the wrong at any stage, but was left with a fractured skull, almost lost my right eye, and also demolished my beautiful hand built Condor race frame. I really get annoyed when cyclists who so consistently flout traffic management signs and signals moan about cars that are doing the exact opposite. From my own painful experience, which I would never wish on anyone else, I can only express a wish that cycling should be more regulated, with proper road training, insurance and possibly road tax as a component of legitimate road presence.

I have just contacted one of the local ward councillors to see what background there might be to this that helps us to understand what's happening with local traffic management/speed calming strategies. Hopefully it will reveal more than we know at present. Thanks for all of your support so far!! If I see the head engineer outside, I might just show him this thread.

Burbage Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Brian Tee Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Come on local people, get your views out > here!!! > > I'm not really local enough for your purposes. > But, in case it helps, this suggests there were > traffic incidents resulting in two serious > injuries and one slight one on Scutari Road > between 2000 and 2010. And here (screen shot attached) is another reliable and similar resource, (which contains more detailed information) and which paints a slightly different picture. No accidents on Scutari, and only one 'slight' incident at the junction of Mundania and Dovedale. I must say,this is more consistent with the memories of other long term neighbourhood residents, and myself. It also reconfirms the carnage of Forest Hill Road. The Council is simply wasting money here, when they could be spending it wisely just a few hundred yards away!!!

My conversation with the council engineer responsible for the current (unwanted) traffic calming measures in Scutari Road (see other live thread on ED forum) has revealed that the traffic lights at the junction you refer to are to be somehow synchronised with the lights on the other side (Honor Oak) of the park on East Dulwich Road, and also the soon to be renewed lighting/crossing system at Colyton Rd/Forest Hill Road crossroads (Includes Dunstans Rd). I completely agree that traffic behaviour at these lights is often terrifying, especially if you are turning into Forest Hill Road from East Dulwich Road. I would also point a finger of shame at the many cyclists who choose to ignore the traffic lights. There should be a criminal penalty for this sort of reckless disregard for other road users and pedestrians, but that's a whole other rant!!!

Brian Tee Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Marmora Man Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Unfortunately the contractors are already there > - > > woken this morning as they set up shop. > > > > My main concern about Scutari is not any degree > of > > speeding - where I agree with BT about lack of > > need and waste of money on speed humps, but the > > tendency for people to use it as a rat run from > > Peckham Rye, via Homestall, Scutari and Marmora > > into Forest Hill Road - missing out various > > traffic lights. As Scutari and Marmora are also > > plagued by appalling parking, the Scutari / > > Marmora junction is usually a very dangerous > > junction for pedestrians and car users alike. > > > Based on this (very useful) resource, it looks > like the main danger area is the crossroads at > Mundani/Scutari, which should be sorted by the > raised junction that is being being installed. The > only other casualty on Scutari was a vehicle > occupant, and I remember the ambulance that came > up the road was because the driver (one of our > neighbours) had suffered a minor heart attack at > the wheel. He is sadly no longer with us, but the > incident was not strictly a 'traffic' incident. The Road casualty Britain resource also demonstrates incredibly clearly the huge difference between the roads of the Colyton estate (Marmora, Mundania, Therapia, Shelbury, Dovedale and, of course Scutari, and the carnage that appears to occur along the entire adjacent length of Forest Hill Road. This is now even more complete madness!!! Screen-shot attached, to save everyone time!!!

mynamehere Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > edhistory Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Which company was awarded the contract? > > > > John K > > Just curious what your thinking is here ed? Conway were hired to do the resurfacing of the road a few weeks ago (which we're all very pleased with!!!) and are also now installing the humps. Is there a conspiracy theory at large here John?

Marmora Man Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Unfortunately the contractors are already there - > woken this morning as they set up shop. > > My main concern about Scutari is not any degree of > speeding - where I agree with BT about lack of > need and waste of money on speed humps, but the > tendency for people to use it as a rat run from > Peckham Rye, via Homestall, Scutari and Marmora > into Forest Hill Road - missing out various > traffic lights. As Scutari and Marmora are also > plagued by appalling parking, the Scutari / > Marmora junction is usually a very dangerous > junction for pedestrians and car users alike. Based on this (very useful) resource, it looks like the main danger area is the crossroads at Mundani/Scutari, which should be sorted by the raised junction that is being being installed. The only other casualty on Scutari was a vehicle occupant, and I remember the ambulance that came up the road was because the driver (one of our neighbours) had suffered a minor heart attack at the wheel. He is sadly no longer with us, but the incident was not strictly a 'traffic' incident.

Forest Hill Road has new things happening at the crossroads with Colyton Road/Dunstans Road. A kind of next step from the traffic lights at the crossroads that were installed for the Reservoir Works lorries 3 years ago. Completely agree with you that Forest Hill Rd has far greater need than Scutari Rd!,,

Anyone on the road, on or in whatever vehicle, should be as aware as possible of all other road users around them. If a cyclist is on the roundabout at Goose Green, they have right of way over any vehicle arriving at the roundabout from their left. I use this roundabout on a very regular basis, and do see some idiot drivers and cyclists who are simply not paying enough attention to what's going on around them. Cyclists are their own greatest enemy if they assume they are more visible or have somehow a right of way through traffic lights etc. that other road users do not. These people deserve every accident that they are involved in. I was a victim of a major head trauma in central London because of a careless motorist while I was cycling with total care and attention, so have first hand knowledge of just how vulnerable you are on a bike, which taught me through massive pain and prolonged recovery that you should not 'take chances' on a push bike. Drivers should be more alert to cyclists, and cyclists should be as visible as they can on the road, and not jump lights, or ride down footpaths, or do anything other than stick to the road and follow the rules of the road. It's the only safe way - and it's not that safe even if you are a slave to the Highway Code.

I've been with t-mobile for years, and have no complaints. Other mobile service providers a available, and some really reward loyalty. My wife and daughter are on 3 network, and you will get pestered by upgrade offers from third parties.

While I'm at it, I would like to say that I do agree with the raised junctions along Scutari Road. If we have to live with some for of 'traffic calming' they will do the trick. Why bugger up the entire road when the measure at junctions will probably do the trick? Come on local people, get your views out here!!!

Call me a curmudgeon, but I thought the reason for 'traffic calming' measures was to regulate the speed of traffic in areas where there was an issue with road safety/accidents or there was a sensible reason, like high volumes of kids crossing the road on their way to school. As a resident of Scutari Road for the last 18 years, I can report that there have been no traffic accidents on Scutari Road involving any kind of injury to people or animals since I have been here. A recent consultation notice was sent out by the council, to which I responded with this information, and also informed them that their last plan for unwanted speed humps was cancelled as a result of the consensus of residents submitted to the council planning officer involved. So far, everyone that I have spoken to at the same end of the street is of the same opinion - we don't want the speed humps - yet the painted guides and parking restrictions are now in place. Some are a matter of just 40 feet apart!!! What is the point of a council that does not listen to it's residents, and which also blindly ignores the opinions and wishes of the people that it's decisions affect. The money could seriously be better spent on a whole bunch of other stuff that deserves way more attention than changes to a quiet residential road which has proven safe and 'no real issue' for traffic since the major tunnelling works on Beechcroft Reservoir affected us all so much. The engineer involved seems to hold the view that 80% of the 30 or so households on Scutari Road were in favour of the humps, which is in complete contrast to the petition that prevented the humps only a few years ago. So it appears that now we must suffer the noise of frequent braking and accelerating as traffic uses our street, and also put up with the discomfort of having to drive over the humps whenever we leave our own homes. Am I on my own here, or has the council gone completely bonkers with their money, in such otherwise difficult times??? If you are affected by this, or similar 'traffic calming' nonsense (as residents of Marmora Road will soon be) then let's just create a wave of visible opposition and outrage, as I feel certain the glossy consultation process was the end of a 'fait a complit' tactic. I'd also really like to hear if anyone in Scutari Road actually supports the sinusoidal speed hump installation, and why??? Outraged, of Scutari Road!!!!

A Jubilee Big Picnic at Aquarius Golf Club on Tuesday 5th June, with live music through the afternoon, closing with Steve Boltz (Former guitarist with Atomic Rooster, Paul Young, The Who, Elton John etc etc) and his incredible rock band The New White Trash. Bring a blanket, make yourselves comfortable, and enjoy the music, the sunshine, the views, the space. If you don't have a street party, or just fancy relaxing on the fairway with some excellent live music, you are very welcome!! Entry is free, of course!!! See attached flyer for more detail.

For all those not doing anything, but wanting to be a part of a big party, we are holding a 'Big Picnic' at Aquarius Golf Club for our local community. The line up of live bands, playing on the infamous 7th tee stage is already looking pretty good (Steve Boltz & New White Trash headlining, and support from Country Dirt, and a few other noteable local acts to be confirmed.) There will be abundant and affordable food & drink available from the 'Top of the World' Club bar, and hopefully a really 'Festival' feel to the day. Check the attached flyer/invitation for more details, or visit our Facebook event page to keep up with the buzz.

Fancy coming along to our Big Picnic at Aquarius Golf Club on June 5th? 4 bands on outdoor stage, with lots of people on blankets & groundsheets eating pork pie and cucumber sandwiches with lashings of ginger beer. A good (but not Festival standard) line up finishing at around 7-8.00pm? Let me know so I can man the gate!!!

Sorry to everyone. Despite my best attempts at finding the Aquarius Festival thread, I couldn't locate it, and as a previous thread had been removed without warning for violation of the Subject content, I assumed in a moment of paranoia that a similar fate had been met by the current thread. It is still there, as has been kindly pointed out. My previous message was entirely inappropriate. I really am sorry. I should have gone to specsavers. Brian

I didn't expect this to get so detailed, but there is clearly a problem here that needs some action from local people to be heard by the council/road planning. First off, I hope all residents of Dovedale and Shelbury will forgive me for ignoring them. It might work to block off all 3 roads at the Mundania end. The main concern is that the roads discourage speeding drivers, which we all acknowledge are a danger to people and dogs wandering on the roads. I would have no objection to Scutari being a 'cul-de-sac' up to Mundania, as previously stated. There may be a problem on Dovedale and Shelbury, where people do not have off-street parking, as they are narrower roads, and people would need to turn around. This may be an issue for something like a large lorry or Fire engine. The other solution (still with a block on Scutari/Mundania) could be to introduce a one way system up Shelbury and Dovedale from Colyton road ends, so that traffic could still use Mundania for exiting, but not for entry. This would also confound the speeding traffic from one direction, but would allow for large vehicle access and exit. Street planning expertise would be really useful to make this work as effectively as possible, as would a degree of consensus from all of the residents affected by any changes. I know the council listens, as we opposed the bumps at our end of Scutari when they were in the planning stage, and our wishes were granted. At the end of the day, we just want a safe environment with minimal risk of any more accidents to road users, people or pets, and an end to the roads being used by dangerous thrill seekers.

A shame the street gangs just see mobiles as crime currency. My son was carrying an old handset that I bought as a spare about 6 years ago - really nothing worth owning, and the battery was virtually useless. The kind mugger was thoughtful enough to take out the SIM card and give it back. On the 'off-piste' subject of mobiles in schools, the Head of Technology at Bacon's is opposed to a ban on mobiles, despite the school now operating a 'See it, hear it lose it' campagn. He thinks mobiles can be usefully employed to log homework and other project work, as well as video-recording practical demonstrations in Science to help with writing up experiments. I think he has a point.

I'll let you know - my son's at school now, and i got very little detail from him before he left.

Last night my son and 3 of his friends (all 16 year olds) had their mobiles nicked by a gang on Underhill Road. Anyone know anything? It's about time our local police took serious notice of this and started making their presence felt with patrolling cars/foot police at night. From all of the gang related posts on this site, it seems to me it's getting well out of control. Please let me know if anyone out there saw/heard anything. Thanks!