K1, Knightsbridge

Stages 1, 2 and 3 Road Safety Audits

Over a four-year period, the Gateway RSE team carried out Stages 1, 2 and 3 Road Safety Audits on both temporary and permanent works for this prestigious redevelopment scheme in the heart of London. The scheme encompasses works to Knightsbridge/Brompton Road (part of TfL’s strategic road network) and Sloane Street (within the jurisdiction of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea), as well as underground station entrances. Consequently, the audits were subject to varying approvals and reporting procedures.

Objectives and Challenges

The purpose of the scheme is to increase footway widths whilst maintaining traffic flows along Brompton Road and Sloane Street. Ancillary works included adjustments and enhancements to pedestrian crossings, kerbs, carriageway markings, street furniture, and streetscape improvements within Basil Street and Hoopers Court, a sloping pedestrian right of way. The area is exceptionally busy throughout the day and evening, whilst the audits were hampered to some extent by road closures and hoardings.

Outcomes

• Problems raised in relation to temporary works included pedestrian diversion routes, steps, unknown headroom, traffic queuing on signal crossings.
• Problems relating to the permanent works related to pedestrian/driver inter-visibility, insufficient one-way signage, vehicle turning collisions, number/positions of signal heads, vulnerable lighting columns, carriageway marking provision.

Benefits

The Road Safety Audits contributed to a successful and safe development-led highway improvement scheme, which substantially enhances the local environment, particularly for pedestrians.