Riddlesdown Rd Closure –  the RRA are aware there are now huge issues, primarily in the morning and afternoon/evening school/commute, with drivers diverting onto Brancaster Lane and Lower Barn Rd, which has commuter parking on both sides, and also onto both the narrow Coombe Wood Hill and Riddlesdown Ave, with commuter/residents parking on one side, or alternate sides in Riddlesdown Ave. Gridlock of vehicles is occurring at these times, on these four streets.

Whilst Oakwood Ave has some ongoing resurfacing work, it is now OPEN to all traffic following their gas works.

When the RRA learnt last September that Riddlesdown Rd would be closed for gas main renewal, we did raise concerns then, that the diversion route proposed would not be suitable, due to all the parking and narrow streets – especially if two HGV’s meet each other.

The RRA have received a number of comments/complaints from residents over the last few days about the gridlock being caused, in these 4 streets, which is primarily from 7.50am to 8.30 am and again in the afternoon/evenings from 3pm.

We have taken it up again with the Council and the gas contractor, WCB Utilities. At the moment, we have received no further response to our e-mails this week, from them. We have also now copied in the Ward Cllrs and the local Police SNT.

The RRA would suggest that in the peak morning and afternoon weekday times that drivers seek alternative routes, primarily via Riddlesdown Rd (up to where the road closure is), right into Warren Rd, left into Selcroft Rd, left into Oakwood Ave, left into Downs Court Rd and then carry on into Mitchley Ave (and vice versa). These streets are generally a lot wider with very little on street parking.

If and when we get a response from the Council’s Highways Officer and /or WCB Utilities, we will update further.

We have also noted that Coombe Wood Hill (on the left going down the hill) is now getting damaged grass verges in a number of places where drivers have mounted the verges, to allow two-way traffic to pass. We will expect these verges to be made good at the end of these gas works.

The RRA understands the closure of Riddlesdown Rd will go on until 24 February 2026.