Southwark Council introduces UK’s first double Dutch roundabouts

22 March 2018

Southwark Council is introducing the first double Dutch style, cyclist and pedestrian friendly roundabouts in the UK.

Cllr Ian Wingfield, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Public Realm, visited the award winning roundabouts at Crystal Palace Parade, which are due for final completion in April.

The junctions at Crystal Palace Parade have had two consecutive roundabouts (between Fountain Drive and Sydenham Hill) for many years, but they were very busy and lacked facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. The unique new Dutch design will enable cyclists to pass through the junctions, completely separated from motorists.

Cyclist and pedestrian crossings run side by side, crossing the roads that lead onto and away from the roundabouts, giving cyclists and pedestrians priority over other vehicles.

The scheme was funded by Transport for London and constructed by Conway Aecom, on behalf of Southwark Council, working closely with the London Boroughs of Bromley and Lewisham, as it sits on the boundary between the three boroughs.

The junctions that these roundabouts connect provide key pedestrian and cycle access to nearby train stations, schools and Crystal Palace Park and National Sports Centre.

Ian Wingfield, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Public Realm, said: “Crystal Palace Parade is the first example in the country of this innovative double roundabout layout. We hope it will help cyclists and pedestrians feel much safer, whilst ensuring minimal delay to buses and other traffic.”

Ben Plowden, TfL’s Director of Project & Programme Sponsorship, said: “We’re really pleased to see that our funding has helped bring this new design from the Netherlands to Southwark, which will make walking and cycling in Crystal Palace safer and easier. Innovative improvements such as this make a real difference in encouraging Londoners to walk and cycle more often and we’ll continue to work closely with Southwark Council to make walking and cycling facilities across the borough even better.”

Page last updated: 22 March 2018