Buses and taxis return to Rye Lane

14 October 2021

Southwark Council and TfL are reintroducing buses and taxis to Rye Lane, for a trial period of 18 months, from 18 October.

The trial will improve access to Peckham Rye train station, linking the transport hub with local buses. This will help people to continue their journey more seamlessly, particularly in winter months, and especially those with mobility challenges, small children or heavy bags.

Rye Lane was closed to all traffic in July 2020, to help ensure pedestrians had adequate space for social distancing during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As rates have now reduced and the government has removed most COVID restrictions, the council is responding to local requests to improve access to Rye Lane, particularly from local businesses.

The council has completed improvements to the road surface and introduced new road markings, ahead of the trial.

Southwark Council continues to engage with the local community and offer support with this change. It also encourages applications for motor traffic free days for the high street, during the trial

Southwark Council is also responding to feedback from local people and encouraging more people back to Rye Lane, by investing in a clean up for the high street. It is removing graffiti from approximately 200 commercial shutters and power washing paved areas, litterbins and other street furniture, from Heaton Road to Peckham High Street, by the end of the year. The council will also be applying anti-graffiti coatings to lamp columns and street furniture, and replacing and adding extra bins, to help keep the area fresh and clean.

Page last updated: 14 October 2021