North Worple Way traffic reduction scheme

A traffic reduction scheme is in operation in the North Worple Way area, Mortlake. It was introduced under an experimental Section 9 Traffic Management Order which came into force on Monday 30 September 2024.

Restrictions

The scheme introduces a restricted vehicle access point on North Worple Way, west of the junction with Avondale Road. Every property within the area remains accessible without crossing any camera control points.

The restriction applies 7am to 7pm Monday to Sunday for westbound vehicle movements only. These times cover the peak intervals and incorporate both school travel periods.

Enforcement

Non-exempt vehicles will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if passing through the restriction during the controlled periods. Road signs indicate where non-exempt drivers are not allowed to go. 

The scheme uses intelligent camera technology to ensure that exempt vehicles can use the area freely. 

View the map for camera locations and signage.

New routes

As a result of the scheme, some destinations will need to be accessed using new routes during the hours of restriction:

• Roads to the west of Avondale Road (bounded by Sheen Lane, Mortlake High Street and the railway) will need to be accessed from Mortlake High Street via Vineyard Path
• Any vehicles needing to exit the area, east of Avondale Road, will not be permitted to travel westbound along North Worple Way beyond its junction with Avondale Road

This zone map indicates how the ‘western zone’ roads to the west of Avondale Road can be accessed at any time without passing the camera control point. Refer to the key in the map that explains how the restriction only operates in one direction (east to west).

Maps

View maps relating to the scheme:

• Scheme plan - highlights the necessary signage, associated civil works, and the enforcement camera location.
• Exemption area plan - shows the area (addresses) where applications for exemptions can be made from
• Traffic reduction zone map - shows how non-residents can avoid the restrictions/enforcement camera during operational hours of the scheme.

Access for non-permit holders

This scheme has been designed so that all properties can be accessed at all times, including for visitors and deliveries, without being required to cross the camera control point.

Exemptions

To register your vehicle for an exemption, you must complete the online form two working days before entering the restriction point.

Only vehicles registered at an address within the approved exemption area will qualify to apply for an exemption, up to a maximum of four vehicles per address. View the approved exemption area.

An exemption will be granted to carers and healthcare providers requiring regular access to provide essential care to a resident living within the exemption area. Evidence must be provided, and each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

Emergency services, hackney carriages and cyclists will be exempt automatically and do not need to apply for an exemption.

If you are a resident but your vehicle is registered to an address outside the catchment area (e.g. a company or lease hire car) you can still register for the scheme, as long as the rental agreement shows the residential address, vehicle registration number (VRN), and your name.

Apply for an exemption

Only eligible postal addresses will be visible on the form.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all details are correct on the application, including your vehicle registration number and the documents uploaded. Failure to do so may result in delays processing the exemption request and/or Penalty Charge Notices being issued.

If your regular vehicle is temporarily out of service and you need an exemption for a courtesy or short-term hire car, please complete our exemption application. When applying, please provide proof of ownership for the temporary/courtesy vehicle and let us know as soon as you no longer need it. For any questions or to discuss special circumstances, email nww@richmond.gov.uk.

Documents 

You can upload scanned images, or photos of your documents taken by your phone or camera. You must submit at least one document. You may add additional documents as needed to cover all the details required.

The document(s) provided must confirm:

• The name of the driver
• The vehicle registration number
• The address selected on the exemption form

The following documents will be accepted:

• Vehicle registration / V5C 
• Motor insurance – current year
• Company car letter – dated within the last three months 
• Vehicle hire or lease agreement – current year

Carers and healthcare professionals

Carers and healthcare professionals will need to provide additional evidence. A staff ID badge will not be accepted as valid proof. 

• Carers should provide a letter that confirms the name and address of the resident receiving care
• Healthcare professionals should provide a letter from your manager or workplace verifying your name, vehicle registration, reason for exemption and employment

After you apply

It is an offence to drive during the restricted times without having a valid exemption permit. It is important that you do not travel through the restriction point while your application is being processed. This will take two working days. In the meantime, the scheme is designed so you can still access all properties without an exemption.

You will receive a confirmation email automatically when you submit your application. If you do not hear from us within two working days, your application was successful. Permits are virtual and you do not need to display anything within your vehicle. 

You will only be contacted if we need additional documents or information in relation to your application. In this case your vehicle will not be exempt until this additional information is submitted and approved.  

Submit your application

Replace or remove an exemption

Find out what to do if your circumstances change.

Replace an existing vehicle registration

If you have changed your vehicle registration, you must amend your exemption accordingly by making an application as you would for a new vehicle to be added to the exemption list. 

When you add the new vehicle registration, you will be asked if this application is to replace a vehicle you have previously registered for exemption. Enter the registration to be removed in the relevant text box and continue to complete the form, submitting at the end.

Remove a vehicle

If you have moved house or sold your car and no longer need access to the North Worple Way restriction, email nww@richmond.gov.uk including details of the vehicle registration number (VRN) to be removed from the exemption list.

Background to the scheme

The long-term closure of Hammersmith Bridge has displaced traffic to adjacent crossings of the River Thames. The main road network in this area can become congested during peak hours due to higher traffic volumes and as a result, drivers seek alternative routes resulting in residential roads becoming a through route for traffic.

In February 2024, a scheme was considered and approved at the Transport and Air Quality Services (TAQ) Committee to remove through traffic from North Worple Way area.  

The scheme was developed following consultation with local residents and ward councillors. Further background, including scheme benefits and residents’ initial feedback to the proposal can be viewed in the Transport & Air Quality Decision Report.

The new measures are designed to address the predominant east to west rat-run on North Worple Way, with the residents most impacted by the restrictions exempt and able to travel along North Worple Way in both directions and at any time without restriction, subject to being on an approved residents’ exemption list.

Assessing effectiveness

The scheme is being implemented on an experimental basis to allow for an assessment of its effectiveness and will operate under an Experimental Traffic Management Order. This will become operational on 28 September 2024, with the statutory public consultation period running for at least six months following the introduction of the scheme.  

The North Worple Way traffic order will be published on 20 September 2024.

Reviewing the scheme

Following the six-month period, we will write to all residents within the approved exemption area seeking views before a formal decision is taken on the future of the scheme.

As well as residents' views, the success of the scheme will be measured by reviewing traffic volumes across the North Worple Way area, most notably along North Worple Way, but also through an assessment of conditions on Alder Road and Avondale Road. We will also be considering pollution levels and scheme compliance.

We will review and possibly amend the operation of the scheme if necessary, and decide within 18 months to either make the restrictions permanent, or remove them completely.

Contact

If you would like to raise any comments, concerns or suggestions relating to this scheme, or experience any issues with regards the exemption process, email nww@richmond.gov.uk.

It may not be possible to respond to all emails received. However,  your comments will be recorded and considered at the end of the six-month experimental period.