GTR will go ahead with proposed improvements despite concern from members of the public and the NDG.
Improvement Details
- A new walkway with zebra crossings prioritising pedestrian movements
- Installation of fencing along station approach – this would improve safety of the car park and prevent the car park being used for other activities than just parking
- Replacement of yellow rusty fencing
- Installation of bollards around the car park payment machine
- Installation of a Customer Information Screen (CIS) by the car park entrance
- More line markings for the 5mph speed limit
- Entrance and exit located together
- New pedestrian entrance & bin storage area at the top of station approach which is good for cyclists and will mean Biffa can still pick up the bins – they still need to double check with Biffa that this would work for them.
Background info
We first spoke with GTR regarding the Passenger Benefit Fund and asked that the Section 106 money for station improvements should be used to make the entrance and car park safer for pedestrians, knowing that the remit of reducing the gap is supposedly being dealt with under a different project. We also asked for a feasibility study to be done, which GTR ‘paid for’.
We met with various members of GTR onsite, which was positive and they seemed to understand the issues and constraints. We were however surprised to be presented with 2 schemes that basically were still car-led, constrained to the £50k funding and no feasibility study. The reason we wanted the feasibility study output was to highlight all issues. Whilst we knew £50k was the current budget, the output would have allowed us to source other pots of money to make our station safer.
We have been put in a difficult position that it either goes ahead or wait until the new franchise next year. There are issues that the funding may not still be available by then and the new franchise might not be interested. We therefore acknowledged this design was GTR’s preference.
GTR are speaking with Network Rail who will engage with the tenants within the car park and will be utilising Permitted Development rights to carry out the works within the car park.
We have also asked for a yellow junction box outside the entrance/exit, but have been told this would be Network Rail’s responsibility and will keep an eye on traffic congestion.
We will be kept updated, so if there is any impact on access we can notify the local community.
Hackbridge & Beddington Corner Neighbourhood Development Group 
How will Veolia empty the bins from next to the Dentist? the bin lorry will not be able to negotiate the vehicles in the car park.
How will the Amazon vehicles deliver and collect their parcels from the bike area?
What will the height restriction be on the barrier? who will have keys to open when required?
What are the other activities other than parking? this will not stop the drug and drink taking that goes on?
There will be major traffic issues during busy times at the entrance/exit when trying to get through the lights, there have been several accidents since these lights have been there with people rushing to get out of the car park and not checking any other traffic from the businesses on Station Depot.
Still no consultation with any of the businesses on Station Depot adjoining the station.
We will send your comments onto our GTR contact.