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TfL completes Battersea Bridge safety improvements following Jack Ryan death

Jack Ryan, 29, is thought to have been jogging when he was struck by a Range Rover near the northern end of Battersea Bridge.  (handout)
Jack Ryan, 29, is thought to have been jogging when he was struck by a Range Rover near the northern end of Battersea Bridge. (handout)

TfL has this week completed safety improvements to Battersea Bridge following the death of Jack Ryan earlier this year.

The 29-year-old marketing manager, described as “witty and popular”, was killed following a collision with a Range Rover while he was jogging on the northern side of Battersea Bridge in January.

More than 25,000 people signed a petition in the aftermath of Mr Ryan’s death calling for safety improvements at the notorious junction, prompting TfL to announce plans for a new pedestrian crossing.

Now, TfL has said that work on the bridge is complete, with a new signalled pedestrian crossing and a lower speed limit of 20 miles per hour set to “make a big difference” to pedestrians and other road users in the area.

The new crossing features traffic signals to improve safety (TfL)
The new crossing features traffic signals to improve safety (TfL)

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “Any death or serious injury on London’s roads is a tragedy and should not happen. We continue to work hard to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads as part of our Vision Zero commitment.

“The new crossing and other changes at Battersea Bridge will make a big difference to those travelling around the area and help keep pedestrians and other vulnerable road users safe.”

In addition to the crossing and new speed limit, tactile paving has been installed on both sides of the road to improve accessibility for those who are visually impaired, while the banned right turn from Cheyne Walk to Battersea Bridge Road will be enforced 24 hours a day.

As part of the Vision Zero commitment, which aims to achieve zero deaths or serious injuries on London’s roads by 2040, TfL is looking to introduce lower speed limits on its road network across London.

Nick Fairholme, TfL’s director of project and programme delivery said: “Making London’s streets safer is a top priority for us and we are absolutely committed to making the capital’s roads safer for everyone.”

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