Putney residents are facing increased traffic congestion following recent changes to the road layout near Putney Bridge, Wandsworth Council heard on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. Councillors debated a motion highlighting the issue and calling for immediate action to reverse the changes, stating that traffic has worsened dramatically, choking Putney and impacting drivers, cyclists and bus users.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Ethan Brooks and Councillor James Jeffreys, stated that the road layout changes were implemented without an updated traffic study, particularly after the closure of Hammersmith Bridge. They argued that the original traffic study did not account for the closure of Hammersmith Bridge and that outdated modelling misled the public and council committees, leading to the current gridlock on Lower Richmond Road, Putney Bridge Road, and Putney High Street.

The motion also criticised the Labour Mayor of London and the Labour Government for their lack of support in addressing the issue, claiming that The Labour Mayor of London has offered no support. The Labour Government has stayed silent. It further alleged that Hammersmith and Fulham Council exacerbated the problem by closing surrounding residential roads, funnelling more traffic into Putney.

The council was asked to:

  • Acknowledge the road layout changes were a mistake and should be reversed immediately. This action was specifically called for in the motion regarding Putney traffic.
  • Demand the publication of all up-to-date NO₂ data, including the latest readings from 2025.
  • Call on the Mayor of London, the Secretary of State for Transport, and Hammersmith and Fulham Council to urgently prioritise and fund the full reopening of Hammersmith Bridge.
  • Oppose further road closures in neighbouring boroughs that worsen congestion for Wandsworth residents.
  • Demand a commitment to a transport and environmental policy that is transparent, evidence-based, and genuinely in the interests of residents.

The full Supplementary Agenda - Motions and Matters of Local or Topical Interest is available online.